Wooden bleachers recently removed

By JeriLyn Billings

September 09, 2008

The Silver Lake school buildings have undergone many changes recently. However, when Silver Lake residents file in for the first football game this year, they will see a major change in the C.J. Hamilton football stadium as well.

The traditional wooden bleachers were replaced earlier this summer with new aluminum bleachers.
According to Dr. Randy Freeman, superintendent, the traditional wooden bleachers were rotting out and were deemed dangerous. The wooden bleachers also had accessibility issues. He said the school board had to make a decision about the bleachers and decided that aluminum would ultimately be a better solution because of how difficult it would be to replace the wood.

“So for long-term life of the bleachers, aluminum will certainly be a better solution,” Freeman stated.

He said the school board believes that with the new bleachers, safety issues have been addressed and the bleachers are now more accessible.

Freeman shared that there had been concerns early on about the new aluminum bleachers. He said people felt that the wooden ones held a tradition, and they did not want to lose the "SLHS" spelled on the bleachers.

Many community members say they will miss the traditional "SLHS" on the wooden bleachers. (Photo by Staff)

Freeman said that after seeing the new bleachers, however, people have been more accepting and have shared favorable views and comments on the change. One of the remaining concerns is whether "SLHS" will be painted back on the bleachers. Freeman is doubtful that this will occur.

"It's very difficult to paint on the aluminum. But the Booster Club is looking into putting a sign at the base of the bleachers," said Freeman.

Joe Rezac and Nick Hamilton, Silver Lake district summer maintenance workers, tore the old bleachers down in two to three weeks. Rezac and Hamilton also drilled the holes for the new bleachers and did some welding to meet code issues.

Then Heartland Seating, Inc. took approximately 10 days to install the new bleachers. The aluminum bleachers cost about $120,000 with more spent for the painting of the framing and press box. Freeman said the money came from capital outlay funds, which is a budget within the overall school district budget.

Dr. Randy Freeman, superintendent, said the new bleachers are much safer. (Photo by Jessica Schaefer)

Another change this summer was the resurfacing of the track. Freeman stated that discussion about resurfacing the track had been going on for about three years. The track was in need of resurfacing because the very top coat was wearing away, and the school board decided that it would be resurfaced over the summer.

Midwest Tennis and Track resurfaced the track and painted the lane lines on as well. Freeman said the funds for this project came from the general operating budget.