For the past two years, anticipation and excitement have surrounded the newest addition to Kearsley High School. Located on the southeast corner of the high school campus, the long-awaited Community Recreation Center (CRC) is nearing completion and will officially open its doors on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Funded by a $21.65 million bond approved by voters in May 2022, this state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in both Kearsley High School and the broader community. With an estimated construction cost of $13.3 million, the CRC will include a 1,500-seat competition gymnasium, an indoor track, a cutting-edge weight room, and brand-new locker rooms.
Designed with both students and community members in mind, the CRC aims to serve as a hub for athletic development and communal engagement.
In an interview Superintendent, Paul Guardard, shared the story behind the project’s development:
“In 2020, we conducted a facility study with an outside group of architects who identified this recreation center as a potential improvement. In early 2021, we surveyed the community to determine the top priorities, and a community recreation space was high on that list,” he explained.
Athletic Director Keith Saxton also spoke about the many ways the CRC will benefit students and staff.
“In my role as the athletic director, the new CRC will give me greater flexibility in scheduling practices and events,” Saxton said. “It will allow students to get home earlier each night to spend more time with their families and on schoolwork. The building will also provide a top-tier facility that athletes and coaches will be eager to use to improve their skills. Additionally, the competition gym will help us host large indoor tournaments more efficiently.”
When asked about the CRC’s broader community impact, Saxton emphasized the positive ripple effects:
“This facility offers state-of-the-art training options that will help our student-athletes grow and take pride in their school. That pride can help improve the overall climate and culture of our student body. The community will also benefit by having a central hub for events, games, and workouts. Plus, the added gym space means more efficient practice scheduling, which gives students more time for family and academics.”
Reflecting on the project’s challenges, Guardard acknowledged that the process wasn’t always easy:
“There were lots of challenges—ensuring we had enough square footage to meet all our goals, dealing with rising construction costs, and uncertainty about final pricing until bids came in,” he said. “This was a large project that took almost two years to complete, so even small delays in materials had the potential to hold everything up. We made sure to involve a lot of staff and formed multiple committees, even one just for signage, to make sure the final product aligned with what our stakeholders wanted.”
Excitement about the new facility is shared by students, many of whom are eager to take advantage of everything the CRC has to offer.
Sophomore Carson Saxton shared his enthusiasm, “I’m grateful the new recreation center is opening while I’m still in school. I’ll get to use it for two years! I’m especially excited about the weight room and can’t wait to join fitness classes and activities.”
Junior Gerele Pano echoed the sentiment, “I think the recreation center is a great thing for students, athletes, and the community. I’m so glad I’ll be here next year to use it. I’m excited for everyone to be able to improve their athletics with it!”
With its grand opening just around the corner, the Community Recreation Center stands as a milestone achievement for Kearsley High School and the surrounding area. As its doors open on May 21, 2025, the CRC is poised to inspire pride, progress, and stronger community ties for years to come.
