ACS also plans updates to gridiron
Project could begin as early as January
As the Augusta Christian Schools' athletic department continues to grow, athletic director Bruce Lane said the school will soon add a new athletic field house to accommodate the increasing numbers.
"It's a much-needed facility," Lane said. "We've kind of outgrown where we are probably 10 years ago in terms of a place to work out and dress our kids."
Lane said the two-story field house will be located in the area behind the baseball field's bleachers and the football field's scoreboard. Included in the plans are three locker rooms, coaches' offices, a conference room, a medical training room, a laundry room and a 2,700-square-foot weight room.
The facility will cater to all outdoor sports teams.
"This won't be a football-only facility," Lane said. "It's going to meet a lot of needs. It will allow us to renovate some in the gym and make some nicer locker rooms for basketball and volleyball. This will take care of the outdoor sports."
A balcony attached to the baseball coach's office will overlook the baseball field. The second-story conference room will include large glass windows and overlook the football field.
Lane said construction on the new facility could begin in only a few months.
"This is going to be a privately funded thing. We've got a group of parents that have stepped forward and said, 'We want this to happen,'" Lane said. "They're still in the fund-raising mode, but we've been approved by the county to build. We're in the process of getting our final plans from the architect, and I would hope that by January we're breaking ground."
In addition to a new field house, Lane said the athletic department is also looking at making upgrades to the football field. Pride Valley is already used for games and practices by two football teams and the track team. Boys and girls soccer teams will soon be added and produce additional wear and tear on the field.
"We've got to do something," he said.
"I believe that God's been good to us and has always provided. It is something that has been a long time coming for our athletic program. With many things, we're reaping the rewards of the folks who have laid a foundation before us."