3/19/2019

The renovated gym consists of new landscaping near the entrance, which is now on the east side
of the school,  and will feature a new concession stand and lobby. ( LINCOLN ROSENTHAL | SNN)

Despite setbacks, the gym reconstruction is progressing and is projected to be completed by May. 

By LUCIANO PACELLI
SNN Staff Writer

The gym reconstruction has been one of the most anticipated projects at Lakewood, going on for almost a year. Once the reconstruction is complete toward the end of May, the sports facility will feel clean, spacious and brand new.

“I would like to finally see students play at their own school, instead of having to travel,” principal Erin Savage said.

The student athletes who have not had access to the gym and have had to travel to other schools for practice, as well as to play home games, are also excited about the gym opening. They know how playing home games can change a player’s attitude on the court.

“I can’t wait to play home again,” junior basketball player Jamille Reynolds said.

 Many people are working diligently on the project, which includes a new east side entrance to the gym, a ticket window and concession area, a new weight room and wrestling room with wide-open spaces and tall ceilings, new landscaping and plenty of parking for basketball and football games. A fire in late September interrupted and prolonged construction, slowing down foot traffic and angering students in athletics.

Construction superintendent Ken Knoop and his assistant, Elise Davis, both said that the fire in the gym was their largest setback and this made them go back to the drawing board.  The flames damaged much of the new work and they had to compose a new plan.

“We used new construction and tied it into existing construction,” Davis said.

Using the existing foundation, the workers figured out the best way to reconstruct the building.

“I am proud of the outcome so far,” Knoop said.