By this time, all current Bethany students are aware of the major changes that might take place. Here is an update to inform the details that will explain the real details of this plan. Bethany’s future athletic department will be renovated and greater for the use of the school and athletes. By November 23, the athletic complex will no longer be a well spread rumor, but a public campaign
Bethany’s community is well aware of the conditions of the current athletic field, specifically speaking for fall sports. There are safety issues concerning the trains that interrupt students getting from the fields to the school or vise versa. There will be a bridge that will transport athletes safely to the complex without crossing the train tracks anymore. Recently, the track and field has grown interest for more students to join and caused the team to grow in number. However, the team has to travel to Goshen College for practices. The new complex will hold its very own track for the team to use instead of traveling everyday to Goshen College.
To top it all off, it will be a more suitable environment. The idea of a new complex intends to be an attraction for it’s community and the general public.
Tim Lehman (Head of School) and Sarah Lind (Advancement Director) have a major role on this project. Both have confirmed that by November 23, the school will hold 75% of the money towards this campaign and will further understand how to use that money wisely.
There are many other aspects of this campaign that will have to follow after this preparation. The goal at this moment is to prepare for the “public phase” of the campaign. The overall budget for this project is around 1.8 million, and by November, the school will see a more accurate expense. Bethany has to raise around 390,000 dollars for the matching grant they were given by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Ancon Construction is project managing the construction of the complex. Doug VonGunten, father of current student Jack VonGunten (‘20), will actually be project managing. JPR Engineering will focus on, you’re right, you guessed it, engineering.
This will be a new opportunity to enhance the athletic experience here at Bethany, as well as open new doors to the public. Tim Lehman said he would like to have “our back door look as beautiful as the front door of our school”.