Board approves $6.9 million plan to build athletic fields at Williams Middle School

Florence School District One trustees approved a guaranteed maximum price of $6,900,000 to demolish portions of the old Williams Middle School and construct multi-sport athletic fields, the superintendent said.

Dr. O'Malley told the board the project will include soccer/football, softball and baseball fields, bleachers and dugouts, with parking and site work (most costed to drainage and site preparation). "The 1st part of the project is the demolition," he said, adding that fields will be grass and the work will likely take about a year.

During discussion a board member who moved the measure said the project will let Williams students use on-site fields rather than travel to Wilson High School and noted planned walking areas and locker-room renovations. Supporters said the fields will address long-standing complaints and bring neighborhood improvements.

The motion to approve the guaranteed maximum price was seconded and passed by voice vote. Administration said demolition would begin first, followed by field construction and parking, with construction anticipated to start in August.