In-kind donations, Pepsi grant vote have project on FAST track
Published on -2/7/2010, 8:42 PM
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By RANDY GONZALES
If one were to only look at the signs placed around town, one might think Hays High School's Build FAST project for an expanded weight room and fitness facility is at a standstill.
Yes and no, said Hays High School Principal Mike Hester.
Hester said he still is aweaiting final design plans for the Build FAST (Fitness And Strength Together). Those who wish to provide in-kind donations for labor, material, etc., are unable to contribute until they see the drawings, said Hester, who hopes to have plans available in the next couple of weeks.
So, while the signs around town appear to be stuck at $200,000 for the estimated $500,000 needed, the project has more contributions in the offing, Hester said.
Hester said "$200,000 in a year is a great effort, especially in these economic times."
The project is entirely privately financed. In addition, one potential fundraising opportunity is through a grant from PepsiCo. The soft drink company's "Refresh Everything" grants provide money for projects in different categories. The Build FAST project is in the running for a $250,000 grant in the education category.
The Hays High and USD 489 Web sites have links where one can vote for the Build FAST project. The top two vote-getters in each category will receive an award.
"We think it could finish it," Hester said of the Pepsi grant. "We think we could be done with that much cash."
The project itself has changed from its original design. Now, the design is for an addition to the existing weight room at the high school, with connecting walls to the weight room and cafeteria, which will save money, Hester said.
Hester said the current weight room is 5,000 square feet and the addition will be another 7,000 square feet.
As well, the soccer practice field will not move, as was planned in the original design. Instead, both the practice fields for soccer and football will be enlarged, with one field adding to its existing sprinkler system, while the other field will have a sprinkler system installed. Hester hopes to have the new-look fields ready by this fall.
Hester also said no new custodial staff will need to be hired, and the facility will be built to be energy efficient.
Hester said other fundraisers are planned.
"We're in it for the long haul," Hester said.
