TYNGSBOROUGH — Superintendent Jill Davis is pleased to announce that Greater Lowell Technical High School, numerous stakeholders, and supporters broke ground Tuesday on a new $3.4 million athletic complex, which will be fully accessible and ADA compliant.
Thanks in large part to state funding secured by the efforts of Sen. Edward Kennedy, Greater Lowell Technical High School is rebuilding the school’s athletic complex.
The new Gryphon Complex will include a 1,000-seat grandstand built around a multipurpose turf field with a subsurface infiltration system and an eight-lane, 400-meter running track.
“This will certainly strengthen our championship track and field program, which has been unable to have a track meet at home for the last five years,” said Superintendent Davis.
A new press box and sound system will also be constructed. Most importantly the new sports complex will be fully ADA-compliant and accessible to all spectators and fans with a new handicapped parking area near the entrance.
“The athletic complex will become the new home to Gryphon football, cheer and our track and field programs. It will also directly benefit the field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse programs, as well as our physical education classes. It will be available for recreational and community use as well, which will impact many lives over the years to come,” said Superintendent Davis.
The complex is expected to be complete and open by November, in time for the Gryphons’ Thanksgiving Day football game.
Students cheered loudly during speeches offered by Superintendent Davis, School Committee Chairman Lee Gitschier, Director of Plant Services Erik Gitschier, State Rep. Rady Mom, and State Rep. Rodney Elliott.
“Every time I come here it’s like coming home for me, and no other day is more special than today,” said Rep. Mom, who is a GLTHS alumnus. “I want to say congratulations to all of you, especially to the many instructors, counselors and coaches who help you.”
“We know that athletics and physical education are vital to the development of youth. We know that athletics promotes emotional, and physical development and promotes teamwork, sportsmanship and athletic competition,” said state Rep. Elliott. “This place is going to provide a new and improved opportunity to participate in sports, and establish a sense of belonging, and enhanced Gryphon pride!”
School Committee Chairman Lee Gitschier spoke briefly, and told students the groundbreaking was about them and their futures.
Director of Plant Services Erik Gitschier shared that Superintendent Davis had a dream to refurbish the stadium for years. He told students of how administrators worked with U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Massachusetts state Sen. Edward Kennedy and the school’s district’s entire State House delegation to get their support and assistance with acquiring state funding for the project.
“Today we’re giving this to all of you and we’re saying, ‘This is your house,'” he said. “It’s going to be your dreams that are made on that field, and hopefully someday 35 years from now you’ll have the opportunity to give something back that’s special to somebody else.”
“By investing in this project, we are investing in our students and community,” said Superintendent Davis. “I am a firm believer in the benefits and value that athletics provides for our school community by engaging students, developing teamwork, building confidence, instilling school pride, growing leadership skills, and supporting their overall health and well-being.”