Change is coming to Oak Lawn Community High School through bricks, beams, and new opportunities. The long-awaited construction of the brand-new fieldhouse is set to transform not only the campus but also the student-athletic experience. The addition ushers a new era of athletic, fitness, and school spirit in our community; there is a lot to be excited about. The Oak Lawn Community High School district recently approved the construction of the project, which has a budget of forty million dollars and a start date in the spring of 2025, with an expected completion around eighteen months later.
The fieldhouse will increase the efficiency of our student athletic programs by offering more space for PE classes, student fitness, as well as school events. The project is set to include state-of-the-art event spaces, indoor athletic facilities, and upgraded amenities, designed to benefit the student directly.
Beyond athletics, the fieldhouse will be a versatile space for school-wide events, community gatherings, and extracurricular activities. The addition will make it easy to host pep rallies, school assemblies, or local sports tournaments. This expansion is not just about improving athletic programs but also about fostering a stronger sense of unity and school pride among Spartans.
I had the opportunity to inquire with Dr. Lauren May, the principal of OLCHS. Here are her thoughts regarding the change, “The fieldhouse will offer Spartans new opportunities both for academics and athletics. Our students deserve a facility that offers flexibility in space and equipment to match the needs of our physical education classes and athletic programs. I am excited to see the progress that will be made in the coming months.”
Although the fieldhouse will unfortunately not be ready by the time I graduate, I have asked a couple of students who will be impacted by the change.
I have asked Alicja Kij, a sophomore at OLCHS regarding her thoughts about the new addition, here is her perspective, “I believe that the fieldhouse is going to be a game-changer for our school. The extra space and new amenities will make a huge difference. Even if you are not an athlete, it’ll be a great place to work out and watch competitions and games. I am thrilled for this change to come.”
I have also interviewed Pawel Jurkowski, a freshman at OLCHS regarding this change, “I am eager about what is to become of our school. It’s a change that will positively and directly impact multiple athletic programs at our school, and provide a more efficient way to train. This change will also be beneficial and help my team train indoors when the weather and outdoor conditions don’t allow for it.”
As construction of the new fieldhouse progresses, excitement continues to build among students, staff, and the community. This project is more than a modern facility, it represents new opportunities for athletics, fitness, and school spirit. With state-of-the-art features and an ambitious vision for the future, The Oak Lawn Community High School Fieldhouse will impact generations to come. One thing’s for sure, our school is not just growing, it’s evolving and adapting to a new generation.
