This morning on KLOE Goodland’s Gold 730, Rollie Halligan sat down with Goodland Public Schools Superintendent Bill Bierman during the Good Neighbor Hour to discuss some exciting updates and future plans for Max Jones Fieldhouse.
The conversation kicked off with updates on the Little Max, Mini Max, Auxiliary Gym, and the Junior High Gym. Bierman shared that there have been discussions about some much-needed changes, especially in the auxiliary gym. "I saw a mock-up from Shane Hollerin that showed black and gold accents and maybe some fresh paint. That'll make the gym look really nice," Bierman noted.
The conversation then turned to the gym's aging bleachers. "They still function, but like anything with moving parts, they’ve started to show their age," Bierman said. The school board is set to decide Monday night whether to replace the bleachers. The Top-Side Committee has also offered to contribute funds to the project. "It’s not the most urgent need, but it’s on the radar," Bierman added.
When asked about larger-scale projects, Bierman spoke about potential updates to the east side of Max Jones Fieldhouse. A few years back, the idea of significant renovations was floated, but the hefty price tag — initially estimated at around $2 million — has made it a challenging goal. "That kind of money is tough without a major donor. But there are still some critical needs, like the front restrooms," Bierman admitted. "They’re in dire need of a complete overhaul. It’s not a simple cosmetic fix — we’re talking about gutting them and redoing the plumbing."
Despite the challenges, Bierman emphasized the community’s pride in the Fieldhouse and the importance of maintaining it for future generations. "We’re not walking away from this building. It’s going to be here for the next 10, 20, even 40 years — long after we’re gone. So, we’ve got to take care of it," he said.
Some improvements are already in the works. This spring, the Fieldhouse will receive brand-new doors and windows. Local company JJ Howard Good Glass won the bid for the project, and installations are expected to begin after spring break. "We’re aiming to have it done before graduation and the alumni reunion," Bierman shared. "But if we can’t meet that deadline, we’ll finish it over the summer."
It’s clear that while there are still many decisions to be made, the Goodland community is committed to keeping Max Jones Fieldhouse a top-notch facility for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates following the school board’s decision on Monday night!
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