After planning over the summer, working with construction companies and holding meetings, the athletic office approved renovations on the high school stadium, according to athletic director Andy Ewald.

Last year, Park was chosen as one of 13 capital grant recipients by the Hennepin Youth Sports Program. The school received $121,000 for multiple renovations, according to Ewald.

“The press box is getting replaced completely, there will be a new sound system added, the ticket area will be redone, the entry area is going to become more inviting, the concessions stand will be upgraded and permanent bathrooms will be added,” Ewald said.

According to Ewald, construction began March 21 with the creation of a layout for the press box and work on the front gate. Ewald said construction must be completed by graduation and expects it to progress quickly.

Sophomore Alexandra Balfour said the renovations excite her and she expects a better environment because of them.

“The new stadium will have a positive effect,” Balfour said. “The new additions will generate new fans and also be a lot nicer for the players.”

Ewald said he expects some difficulties with spring sports, but believes long-term benefits justify the construction.

“The construction will affect lacrosse and any other spring sports that use the stadium to a point,” Ewald said. “We are still playing home games and practicing there, but because of the work on the press box, we are not going to be able to use the home bleachers along with no sound system or scoreboard.”
According to Ewald, the athletic office created a plan to address issues facing spring sports.

“For this year, we’re going to have to use a tabletop scoreboard down on the field and see if we can come up with a portable sound system,” Ewald said.

Junior lacrosse captain Brody Ilstrup said he believes these changes will have little effect on the team and other spring sports using the stadium.

“It will be a bit of a pain, but there is nothing we can do about it,” Ilstrup said. “We need to be able to show up anywhere and play our game. The reconstruction will not play a major factor in our season.”