Renovations Planned at Softball Complex

PCPS-Bond Election

Included in the proposed bond issue election that will be voted on by Ponca City residents on Oct. 12 is renovation work to the current softball complex located at West Middle School.

Adam Leaming, Executive Director of Operations Intern, said, “The softball program has experienced growth over the last few years and unfortunately our softball complex falls short of our desired goals. With our beautiful turfed field, it’s time to address the stadium needs, our ADA accessibility and locker room space for our varsity and junior high softballers.”

Leaming also said there’s a need for additional space for fielding, batting and pitching.

“In this bond proposal you will see the new proposed ADA stadium design, but what’s not pictured is where the team will see much needed space in the way of locker room enhancements, an additional practice field and a new scoreboard,” said Leaming.

Currently, the softball and swimming programs are the only two sports not on the high school campus. “With the space we have at our softball complex, we aim to achieve not only our short-term goals, but are working to achieve a long-term vision of creating a premier softball complex for our Lady Cats!” added Leaming.

Jessica Campbell, head varsity softball coach, said, “We are excited for the upgrade. I believe it will help our program grow in our community.”

Campbell said she currently has 60 students enrolled in the softball program. “Ponca City softball is growing and competing and that’s exciting. My goal is to help our girls get on the map and let people know who we are!”

“In the 1990s Ponca City Public Schools vowed to the community in the 1990s that if we could hold our mill levies even at 22 mills, we would leverage other funds to take care of needs and build and maintain state-of-the-art facilities for our students, staff, families. The softball field renovation is a prime example of us utilizing bond funds and leveraging other funds to keep taxes from increasing.  The sinking fund (bond) mill levy rate has been at 22 mills for nearly 30 years.  As a bond issue drops off the tax rolls, we run another election.  Since the 1990s, we have been able to do so with the unwavering support from our community, with NO tax increase. The October 12, 2021, proposed bond project, coupled with leveraging our CARES funds to prevent, prepare, and respond to COVID-19, will allow for generational changes for our students and community. While maintaining the lowest sinking fund mill levies in our area and among our peer schools, our students and community are able to benefit from the experiences these outstanding facilities provide with NO tax increase,” said Superintendent Shelley Arrott. “I am so excited about the possible future benefits for the Ponca City Wildcat and for our wonderful community of Ponca City. Thank you for ‘holding that line’ to enhance the lives of our students!”

This renovation work is part of a proposed $49.7 million school bond election. This seven-year bond project is coupled with an additional $10 million of CARES funds to allow for improvements in the school district that aid in the mitigation and spread of COVID-19. This proposed bond issue will not increase taxes for Ponca City residents.

The 2021 plan includes a number of repairs, renovations and construction for the district. Bond money will also be used to renovate bathrooms, floors, HVAC units and paving at several areas across the district. Work will also occur at the tennis courts, baseball stadium and other areas across the district. Every single school site in the district will see renovation and repairs.

All projects can be viewed on the district’s website at www.pcps.us.