Softball team gets their own field + $12M in Pasco classroom updates
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- Pasco constructing $2M combo softball and practice field for spring 2027.
- District budgets $12M for classroom modernizations boosting CTE, HVAC systems.
- Projects funded by 21-year, $195M bond; Sageview/Orion opened first.
With Sageview High School construction in the rearview mirror, Pasco School District is turning its focus toward the remaining projects promised in the 2023 bond.
That includes big improvements at both Pasco High School and Chiawana High School. Construction on these projects are expected to start after school lets out for the summer.
The Bulldogs will get a new and expanded $2 million combination softball and athletic-practice field in time for the spring 2027 season. It will benefit softball players, who do not have a home field and must bus across town to HAPO Center to practice and play games.
Clarissa Lopez, head softball coach, said this improvement to Pasco High’s athletics facilities is a longtime in the making.
“This is something that these girls are well deserving of,” she said. “To have something that these girls can call their home and bring that extra home energy back to Pasco High is something we’re excited about doing.”
The future field will be located at the current practice fields at Pasco High School. Features on the 2.5-acre site will include synthetic turf, a dirt infield, grass lawn, aluminum bleachers, a press box, light fixtures, score board and batting cages.
The sports complex has been submitted to the city for review and its approval is anticipated in April, said district director of public affairs Anna Tensmeyer.
The build will go out to bid after that. Design West Architects is designing the project.
$12M CTE upgrades at Pasco High, Chiawana
The two high schools will also receive $12 million in classroom upgrades and modernizations to help boost their hands-on career and technical education (CTE) programs.
Chiawana’s STEM laboratory will be modernized, and the school will install new 3D printers and laser cutters. The school’s HVAC system will also be redesigned and improved.
Those should be complete by Oct. 31.
Pasco High’s A Wing, located near the tennis courts, will receive a complete overhaul. The district also plans to construct new storage areas along the entire north face of the wing.
Several programs will benefit from the improvements, which will touch the auto, metals and wood shop, the culinary laboratory, robotics room and art room. HVAC systems and building electrical will also see updates.
Construction will take about a year and is anticipated to be completed in June 2027.
Funding for these projects are included in the school district’s 21-year, $195 million bond that voters passed in February 2023.
Sageview High School, the district’s third comprehensive high school, and Orion High School, a choice career school, were built out first and opened in the fall to students, teachers and staff.
Construction of those two schools were a priority to the school district due to the bond’s funding structure and the need to provide much-needed relief to the district’s two other comprehensive high schools.
In their first year, Sageview is serving about 1,200 freshmen, sophomores and juniors, and Orion about 160 freshmen.
“By completing Sageview High School and Orion High School under budget, the district was able to expand the (athletics) project to include both a softball field and a practice football/soccer field, (and) begin construction a full year earlier than originally planned,” Tensmeyer said in a statement.
