The large open space across Third Street from Kewanee High School is a soccer practice field now.
But school officials feel the school could make much more use of the property.
At Monday’s meeting, the Kewanee School Board expressed interest in developing more widespread uses of the land, including tennis courts, a fitness court and even softball and baseball diamonds.
Supt. Rebecca Baney reported that the board’s athletic committee has talked about expanding the use of the field north of the high school building.
The committee has talked about developing six tennis courts there, which would make things easier for the tennis team. The team now uses the five courts at Northeast Park, but board member Jon DeBord said it’s a challenge to get players from the school to the park for practice and matches.
Baney said a fitness court could be used by all students.
And while there isn’t enough space for baseball and softball diamonds, that might be possible if the district acquires more land across from the school in the future.
Baney said a fitness court could be used by PE classes, and could be available to students at other times too.
“We have the right students to take advantage of this facility,” she said.
Board members agreed that expanding the use of the space would be a good idea.
Baney said she has a meeting Wednesday with the school district’s architect, and could get further information on the development of the property then.
Also Monday, Baney said the athletic committee has discussed acquiring a digital scoreboard for Brockman Gym at the high school.
A digital board could display videos and advertisements, among other things. Board members said a number of area schools already have digital boards, and they enhance the game experience for the fans.
Baney said a digital scoreboard could create a learning opportunity for students, who could be instructed in how to operate the board.
The board would replace a board that was installed in the late 1990s or early 2000s. The cost for the scoreboard would be around $75,000.
Board President Jeff Johnson, who also leads the Kewanee Schools Foundation, said the foundation could help with fundraising to pay for the board.
