$19M Athletic Complex Concept to Be Presented

A special regional high school district board meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Hanover Park High School theater will include a presentation by an architect on proposed renovations to the sports complexes at the district's two high schools, and an opportunity for the public to comment on the plan, according to an agenda for the meeting.

The and the addition of field lighting and 64 parking spaces at Whippany Park High School. The plan also calls for improvements to practice fields, baseball and softball fields, and tennis courts. The architect, Feitlowitz & Kosten Architects, has estimated the cost of the concept at $19 million.

At a later meeting, after weighing input from the public and further discussing the issue, the Board of Education is expected to advance a referendum which could be put to vote in a special election in March, asking voters whether or not to authorize having the district borrow money for the proposed improvements.

Superintendent Carol Grossi said in a letter posted on the district website increased student enrollment and issues raised by community members over the past few years prompted the plan.

"With the increased student enrollment affecting our athletic programs and physical education classes, the Board decided that the time has come for the district to take action," she wrote.

The board decided to work with Feitlowitz & Kosten Architects out of six architects that made presentations to the board in March, and FKA's concept was developed with input from the board, coaches, administrators, and parent representatives from the various booster organizations, Grossi said.

The tentative plans and estimated costs were presented to the board on Sept. 27 at a special meeting.

The concepts are expected to be presented again at the special meeting Wednesday.

"To date, the plans have not been finalized," Grossi said. "Before structuring the final referendum proposal for a Spring 2013 vote amongst the three communities, the Board of Education would like to invite the public to attend a meeting on October 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Hanover Park High School Theater for open discussion regarding the project.

"Do not hesitate to contact me at 973-887-0320 if you have any questions."