PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Floyd County school officials signed the deed Tuesday for the future site of a new Prestonsburg High School athletic training complex before holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the project's first phase.
Before the ribbon cutting, Superintendent Tonya Williams spoke in the Prestonsburg High School Media Center, calling the milestone the result of a year-and-a-half process. Williams said part of the lengthy process involved resolving mineral rights tied to the property dating back to John C. Mayo. The property is located at 1009 North Lake Drive in Prestonsburg.
Williams said Tuesday's deed signing officially completed Phase 1 of the project, which was the purchase of the property. She said Phase 2 will focus on developing a budget for the new athletic training complex. WIth Williams during the signing was Board of Education Chair Linda Gearheart, Board Member Dr. Chandra Varia, Board Member Junior Newsome, Board Member Steve Slone, Board Attorney Jonathan Shaw, Prestonsburg High School Principal Brandon Kidd, and Century 21 real estate agent Rachel Johnson.
According to Williams, the existing building on the property would have cost about $1 million to renovate to meet Kentucky Department of Education standards. Instead, she said the board agreed it made more sense to demolish the structure for an estimated $30,000 and invest those resources toward constructing a new facility.
Williams said the planned indoor facility is expected to serve multiple athletic programs and student activities, including soccer, football, wrestling, archery, dance and cheer. The building is planned to be heated and cooled for year-round use and could also include a walking track.
Following the remarks in the media center, school officials, community leaders and guests gathered outside at the future site of the facility for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Speakers included Superintendent Tonya Williams, Floyd County Board of Education Chair Linda Gearheart, board member Dr. Chandra Varia, Chief Circuit Judge Johnny Ray Harris and Prestonsburg High School Principal Brandon Kidd. Each thanked those who helped make the project possible and spoke about the positive impact the future facility will have on students, school athletics and the community.
With Phase 1 now complete, school officials said the district will move forward with developing a budget as planning continues for the future athletic training complex.
