South Putnam Fieldhouse open to students

It's been a long time coming for the South Putnam Eagles, but its fieldhouse is now "substantially complete and in use," according to officials.

District Superintendent Dr. Corey Smith confirmed this week, the district is currently working through final punch list items.

"Overall, the project has gone very well, and we are thrilled with the new facility. The students and community are already getting great use out of it. There will be a few more finishing touches done between now and April," Smith told The Putnam County Post.  

The fieldhouse features two courts, indoor batting cages, volleyball capabilities, a small indoor track, new weight room, a new wrestling room, new locker rooms, restrooms and will also house the physical education indoor activities. 

Smith said he can foresee the fieldhouse being utilized "extensively" and will also help free up time for his elementary programs to use a gym that is often being used by middle and high school teams, pushing practices to 9 p.m.

The fieldhouse is part of a multi year construction project that saw upgrades to South Putnam High School's Mark Wildman Field and turf surface, as well as the school's swimming pool. 

Smith said the upgrades will be a great tool in attracting families to his district.

"When families drive by and people are seeking out school districts, they don't always have an opportunity to come inside. The first thing they do is drive around the outside of a building, so having aesthetically pleasing buildings is a goal of mine and my school board to make sure our facilities are always top notch. That will attract families and students," Smith said.