Grand Rapids — The district has wrapped up a $5.1 million renovation of its central athletic hub, Houseman Field.
Home to the Union High School and Ottawa Hills High School athletic programs, as well as several of the district’s graduation ceremonies, Houseman Field has been undergoing upgrades all summer as part of the “Reimagine GRPS With Us!” facilities master plan and its associated bond, which funded the improvements.
During a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new and improved facility, district leaders, student-athletes, stakeholders and supporters got their first glimpse of the updated grounds. The stadium complex is now outfitted with new turf, a replaced track, new LED lights, an expanded visitor parking lot, improved acoustics in the locker room, a new press box roof, restored masonry and more.
“This is what it’s all about,” GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby told SNN, gesturing at the brand-new field around her. “Beautiful spaces, because that’s what children deserve. I am super stoked that this is happening. I’m excited about what the future holds as kids begin to play on this field and start to create new memories.”
Student-athletes shared Roby’s enthusiasm.
Union senior Nathan Mayfield and OHHS sophomore Dariana Weaver both had a chance to share their thoughts on the newly unveiled facility during the ceremony.
“Being here and seeing this incredible renovation means so much to me and my teammates. We now have a top-notch facility,” said Dariana, a volleyball, basketball and track athlete. “Every time we step into the stadium, it’s a reminder that our community believes in us. That belief motivates us to push harder and take pride in representing our city and our school.”
Nathan, who runs track and plays basketball, tennis and golf, noted that the renovation is a “symbol of opportunity.”
“Generations of students have played, performed and celebrated here, and now it’s our turn to carry that legacy forward,” he said. “We know this field will bring together athletes, families, alumni and community members. It’s a place where we’ll share victories, learn from families, and continue to build traditions that matter.”
Nathan told SNN he feels blessed to have the opportunity to finish his high school athletic career on the upgraded field.
“It means a lot to me,” Nathan said. “My parents, my grandparents, they all played here. A lot of mentors that I grew up watching, they all played here. So the opportunity for me to be here and be able to carry on that legacy of all the greats that have played here, it’s amazing to me.”
Making Progress
Roby told SNN that it’s been inspiring to see the district’s Reimagine work come to fruition.
“We’re slowly and steadily making progress toward things that our community — our young people — have said are important to them. It’s nice to see it actually coming into existence,” she said.
Roby added that “you can’t help but be in awe” of the transformation at Houseman Field.
‘Every time we step into the stadium, it’s a reminder that our community believes in us. That belief motivates us to push harder and take pride in representing our city and our school.’
— OHHS sophomore Dariana Weaver
Other speakers at the ribbon-cutting included State Reps. Carol Glanville, D-Walker, and Kristian Grant, D-Grand Rapids; GRPS Board Trustee Sara Melton; Executive Director of Facilities and Operations Alex Smart; and Larry Johnson, the district’s chief of staff and executive director of public safety and school security.
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