LEETONIA Schools razing attracts interest

Completing baseball and softball fields by spring remains the top construction priority.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LEETONIA -- The upcoming demolition of Washingtonville Elementary and Leetonia High schools is attracting a lot of interest among contractors.
Treasurer Larry Syverson said at least a dozen contractors interested in bidding on the projects attended a meeting Tuesday.
The district's nearly 900 pupils moved into a new kindergarten-through-12th-grade school this year. Orchard Hill Elementary, adjacent to the new school, was demolished earlier this year. Syverson said plans are to have both the Washingtonville building and the high school demolished by March.
Athletic fields
At its meeting Wednesday, the board hired Olsavsky-Jaminet Architects of Youngstown to provide architectural services and oversee the development of athletic fields and facilities. He said the firm's fee will be 51/2 percent of the project's cost.
The firm will be responsible for all aspects of the planning, not only the fields and facilities, but also the supporting infrastructure, such as lighting and water and sewer services.
Syverson said that drilling wells for irrigation of the athletic fields is the most cost-effective way to get water to the area. Plans for the athletic complex, adjacent to the new school complex, include a new football stadium and track, and other items such as an outdoor basketball court or gazebo as funds allow.
Softball, baseball
Contractors are working on new softball and baseball fields that were lost to construction two years ago. Completion of the baseball and softball fields remains the top priority among the district's construction projects because the fields need to be ready for play in the spring.
Once the high school is demolished, the board will sell the 3.6-acre corner lot, including the old football stadium property. A new football field is planned, and the sale of the property won't take place until the new field is ready.
Syverson said that in planning for the new football stadium and track, architects will prepare specifications for the grandstands first, because that work will require the most lead time. He said plans are to have the specifications ready so the district can accept bids in January.