Baker High School Athletic Complex Stadium upgrades, three phase plan

By on Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

BAKER CITY – Athletic Director Buell Gonzalez presented to the Baker School Board recently, a plan, regarding updates to the Baker High School Athletic Complex Stadium.

Within that presentation Gonzalez noted the following. 

Facility Assessment Highlights

•The stadium was constructed in the early 1950’s

•Seating in Section AA- Concrete settlement displacement was measured 10-12 inches.  Large cracks are present and with the observed settlement there need to be major structure repair.

•ADA Accessibility – The restrooms on the North and South end do not meet code.  The entry ways, routes to/around stadium, and seating structures also do not meet code. 

•Press Box – The condition is por and creates safety issues for any users.  The building does not meet code for access and the current condition is a hazard.

Overall the structure does not appear to be maintaining good structural integrity.  Large cracks, settlement, and water damage are all present throughout. 

Assessment Recommendations

  1. Demolition of southern portion of covered bleacher structure.
  2. Demolition of the press box in its entirety.
  3. Replacement of all damaged concrete walkways, stairs and ramps to code compliant.
  4. Replace existing roof.
  5. Replace wood siding. 
  6. Replace restrooms and move both to Covered North end w/new concession area. 
  7. Remove entire east bleacher system.  Widen field, add restraining wall, guard rail, and install new framed aluminum bleacher system with press box. 

These updates are laid out in three phases. 

Phase 1 and Cost- Summer 2022

•Demo lower east side bleachers and lower concrete slab.

•Demo existing field and regrade/reposition.

•New retaining wall and guardrail.

•Remove shrubs.

•Install prefab Press box.

•Order new sports equipment.

Total cost: $1,333,379

Phase 2 and Cost – Summer 2023

•New Restrooms and Concessions w/all new equipment and fixtures.

•Replace wood siding.

•Replace all plumbing, electric, and water/sewer.

•ADA upgrades.

•Upgrade additional lighting, wayfinding, and exit signage.

•New stone veneer at front entryway.

Total cost: $1,509,485

Phase 3 and Cost – Summer 2024

•Replace woof on west side

•Replace bleachers on west side.

•Replacement of concrete walkways, stairs, ramps.

•Demo Section AA and extend wood wall.

•Demo and replace upper east side bleachers. 

•Demo west side press box.

Total cost: $1,490,638

Superintendent Mark Witty says this project will definitely require financial contributions from, partially the district, but they will also be seeking grants and hopefully the community.  

In the long run the hope is that these upgrades will allow the stadium to be worthy of use for community events including the Shriners Football Game. 

Elkhorn Media Group