(SPS) -- Sapulpa Public Schools proudly announces the start of the construction phase of the Chieftain Stronger bond package, passed by voters in September, 2023.
SPS, along with Reed Architecture and Interiors and D.C. Bass & Sons Construction Company, held the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Westside Baseball and Softball Complex on Wednesday afternoon.
The event, at the site of the future athletic fields and indoor facility, marked a significant milestone since the passage of Sapulpa Public Schools’ largest bond issue to date.
Attended by student-athletes, coaches, SPS administration, community leaders, and project partners, the groundbreaking ceremony symbolized the culmination of long-range planning and collaboration. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate progress and demonstrate the district’s commitment to fulfilling the bond package efficiently and with the highest standards.
The Westside Complex is the first construction phase of the Chieftain Stronger bond package. It is funded through a lease purchase agreement. The Westside Complex includes a baseball field and a softball field, both with artificial turf, an indoor practice facility with locker rooms, concession stands, and bleachers. The majority of the bond package will fund the building of a new Sapulpa High School, currently in the design development phase with construction slated to begin in a few months.
"We’re launching a new era here in Sapulpa," said Rob Armstrong, Sapulpa Schools Superintendent. “Today we break ground on the field that will carry on the legacy of the past while embracing the excitement of the future. On behalf of Sapulpa Public Schools and the Board of Education, we are grateful for the support of those who have contributed to making this vision a reality. This will be one of the most up-to-date, new baseball and softball complexes in the state of Oklahoma. We also want to thank the Sapulpa community and the voters who made this possible."
Reed Architecture and Interiors of Sapulpa designed the indoor facility, fields, and parking, while D.C. Bass and Sons Construction Company, also locally owned, will manage construction. Will Berry, president of D.C. Bass, says leveling the site will begin by May, and the project should be completed by opening day for Chieftain baseball next spring.
“A new facility is a game changer for our back-to-back Regional Championship winning baseball program,” said SPS Head Baseball Coach Steven Irvine. “We are blessed by a great community. We are happy to provide resources to play at the next level and represent Sapulpa at the highest level.”
Magen Coldiron will start her first year at Sapulpa Public Schools as head softball coach.
“I’m super excited to turn this program around, and I am excited for this new facility for our program and especially for our girls,” said Coach Coldiron.
SPS Assistant Superintendent Johnny Bilby said the facility is long overdue and will be a much-needed addition to the district.
“My dad graduated in 1967 and he played on the current baseball field. I played on the same field, and all I heard through my high school career was, ‘one more year until we get a new field,’” said Mr. Bilby. “We’re doing it now, and that’s a great compliment to our community. I’m very excited about the coaching staff and our players, and we are ready to throw out the first pitch.”
Following remarks at the ceremony, future, present, and past Chieftain baseball and softball players turned the dirt, as well as administrators, coaches, and alumni. The groundbreaking ceremony exemplifies Sapulpa Public Schools’ commitment to advancing student opportunities, innovation, district growth, and community engagement. As construction gets underway, SPS will continue to provide updates.
