Manheim Township School Board reviews phase-three campus master plan; consultants favor Option B

Manheim Township School Board members heard a detailed presentation of two designs for phase three of the district’s campus master plan, focusing on upgrades to the stadium complex, Journey Field and auxiliary athletic facilities.

The consulting team from RLPS/Harbor Engineering described two largely similar options and said steering‑committee feedback leads them to recommend Option B. ‘‘We’re proposing the main fieldhouse be located adjacent to Blue Streak Boulevard,’’ a consultant said, outlining a stretched concourse between the stadium and Journey Field, new ticketed entries, expanded under‑bleacher storage, food‑truck staging and improved circulation for arrivals and post‑event dispersal.

Why it matters: the plan would consolidate support spaces (concessions, toilets, storage and trainer facilities) into a fieldhouse that serves both the stadium and Journey Field, increase seated capacity to meet a 500‑seat threshold needed to host larger events and add accessible parking and routes to reduce congestion and improve safety during events.

The consultants highlighted operational details they say informed Option B: a larger, more visible weight room and a centralized trainers’ suite with direct sightlines to practice areas, multiple controlled ticketing points to manage crowd flow, and a dedicated food‑truck area behind a secure perimeter. The team also proposed relocating long jump/triple jump pits within the fenced perimeter and adding under‑bleacher storage and on‑grade seating adjacent to Journey Field.

Board members pressed on safety and operations. A trustee asked if the district’s director of safety and security had been consulted; the consultant said he had been involved ‘‘early on and will be continued to be involved through the process.’’ On staffing the ticket gates, athletic operations staff said existing night‑event staffing patterns (two ticket workers per active entrance) would likely be sufficient.

Costs, schedule and next steps: the consultants presented a cost range for Option B of $19.5 million to $22.5 million (construction plus soft costs). If the board approves the recommendation, consultants said schematic design could begin immediately with zoning submission in June to target a July hearing, bidding in winter/early spring and a planned construction start in June 2027 with roughly a 13‑month build period.

The presentation also noted phasing to avoid work on the field and track during the season and to sequence parking and access improvements around fall sports. Consultants said some alternates — scoreboards and other add‑ons — could be added later depending on budget and fundraising.

What’s next: the board will take comments and finalize a recommendation for a vote at a future meeting; consultants encouraged continued public feedback through the district’s campus‑master‑plan email address.

Sources: presentation to the Manheim Township School Board; commentary and clarifications by RLPS/Harbor Engineering consultants and district staff during the board meeting.