$4.5 million for athletic budgets. Funding will be given to Chesterton High School for their athletic facilities and turf replacement and will also be given to Liberty Elementary/Middle and Westchester Middle schools. The track surfaces as well as the CHS stadium turf were past their expected lifespans and needed to be changed. Changes being made to the stadium itself will occur as well, as the fencing is going to be replaced, as well as the entrance side of the stadium. In addition to this, many drainage issues are going to be resolved in this area. These upgrades are going to greatly benefit Chesterton High School, as the stadium is used for many events, and was overdue for a replacement.  It is going to make sports easier with the new turf. The turf is extremely outdated, and a replacement is due. Practices and games are going to be easier with a turf that is new. In addition to this, this change is going to greatly benefit athletics, events, and CHS’s annual graduation ceremony. 

“This project allows us to continue to maximize the usage of the stadium complex for Academic classes, Performing Arts, and athletics for practices and contests as well as a variety of other events,” CHS Athletic Director Jeff Hamstra stated.

The track and the turf are both going to be replaced. Currently, there is not going to be turf added into the baseball and softball fields, however that is in the future. The total cost approximated for the CHS stadium improvements alone will cost about $2.7 million and is coming out of the district’s general obligation fund. The total cost approximated for the Westchester and Liberty schools is around $1.9 million. This will go towards the athletic buildings as well as the athletic equipment, and restrooms.