Lamar Announces New Athletic Facilities Project
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The Lamar School District announced plans following a special Board meeting on Wednesday, May 6, for a significant athletic facilities project adjacent to the high school.
Superintendent Clint Jones called the project a “major investment in the future of Lamar students, families, and the community.”
The proposed project includes construction of a new football and track and field facility, as well as new baseball and softball fields.
The Board selected Clark Contractors as the district’s construction manager and will work closely with Craig Boone, principal architect with Architecture Plus, Inc., throughout the planning and construction process.
A tax (millage) increase will not be required for the project, according to Jones, who said the athletic facilities will be funded using existing district building funds that have been set aside, along with a second lien bond.
“This funding plan will not increase taxes or change the current tax rate for our community in any way,” Jones said.
Lamar currently has no track facilities. The football field was originally constructed in the late 1960s, with the baseball field added in the 1970s. The district does not own a softball facility but operates under a memorandum of understanding with the city of Lamar to utilize the city’s softball field for the high school program.
“These projects will provide modern, safe, and accessible environments for our students while strengthening community pride and engagement,” Jones said. “Currently, many of our facilities are outdated, and some programs rely on shared or off-campus spaces. These projects represent a transformational investment in the future of Lamar students.”
Jones said the district will look for partnerships with local businesses and community members to support the project through advertising and sponsorship partnerships, including prominent logo recognition on scoreboards, turf areas, and athletic facilities.
“We look forward to recognizing and honoring those who choose to invest in and support this exciting opportunity for our students and community,” he said. “We are just beginning the planning phase of the project and will be providing additional information in the coming weeks.”
Read this story and others in the May 13 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
