Dunlap School Board approves $8.5 million sports facility

PEORIA (25News Now) – There will be more space to play in Dunlap soon, after the school board approved a new sports facility to be built near the middle and high schools with an estimated $8.5 million price tag.

Dunlap Unit District #323 Superintendent Scott Dearman laid out the proposal in June. Dearman assured board members that the district has more than enough money to pay for it out of current reserves, which hold $38 million.

He said the goal is to allow students to practice without being on top of each other or in unfit environments.

For example, cheerleading teams practice in local elementary schools, dance teams practice in the hallway, and the marching band can only practice when the football field isn’t being used.

The 42,500-square-foot facility will be built within walking distance of the high school on the corner of Legion Hall Road and Cedar Hills Drive. It will include three basketball courts, a 160-meter indoor track with pole vault and long jump, a dance room, an indoor golf simulator, and a small training room.

The plan is approved in a five to two vote on Wednesday.

They plan to break ground in the Fall.

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