Southeast Polk's stadium, softball field projects are behind schedule. When they may open:

Chris Higgins, Des Moines Register
·4 min read

A new multipurpose stadium and a revamped softball field for Southeast Polk students are past their due dates but are nearing completion, district officials said.

At a school board meeting Feb. 16, Southeast Polk Community School District officials said the projects were supposed to be done in December and are delayed until the spring. Meanwhile, a new school for sixth and seventh grade students is on track for the planned summer 2024 finish date.

School board members and officials made no secret their frustration with the contractor, Des Moines-based Graphite Construction Group, over the delays. It was the lowest responsible bidder for the sports projects and is one of the bidders chosen for the school.

A look at the Southeast Polk Middle School.
A look at the Southeast Polk Middle School.

Local media have reported on other delayed projects from Graphite, like a new playground at Witmer Park and the new northeast side fire station in Des Moines.

In a statement to the Register, Graphite said the company has run into various challenges since the start of construction. Soil conditions were different from an original report and there were discrepancies about the athletic turf that led to months of delays and significant change orders, the company said.

"Large-scale construction projects consist of various scopes and parties involved. When one of those items gets off course it can have a ripple effect on the remainder of the project," it said. "Our team has been in constant contact with our clients and partners on this project to help ensure all parties are on the same page in an attempt to find reasonable solutions."

The projects are a part of a $92 million bond referendum that Southeast Polk voters approved in 2020.

What is the status of the Southeast Polk stadium?

According to information presented to the board this month:

  • Permanent windows have been installed on the north concourse building.

  • Locker room painting is nearly complete ahead of locker installation the week of Feb. 21.

  • Press box finishing work nearly complete, with some work left to do like counters and carpet.

  • Security cameras have been installed.

  • There's been significant progress on electrical work.

  • Exterior concrete work should start in March, as weather allows.

Track and turf surfaces will be finished this year as weather allows. It is not clear if the $23 million stadium, which will be used for football and track and field, will be finished in time for the first track meet in early April. It's about about 92% done, officials said last week.

More:Here's a look at plans for Southeast Polk High School's new $22.7 million multipurpose stadium

The new facility will be located at the southwest side of the high school building and will seat 6,200 people — 5,000 for home fans on the west side, and 1,200 for away game visitors on the east, both ADA accessible. Additional amenities will include junior varsity and varsity locker rooms, a standard IAAF eight-lane track, shot put and discus fields located just outside the stadium and a synthetic turf infield for multisport use, accommodating football, soccer and other sports.

What is the status of the softball field improvements?

A look at improvements to Southeast Polk's softball and baseball field.
A look at improvements to Southeast Polk's softball and baseball field.

According to information presented to the board this month:

  • The ticket room and restrooms are nearly complete.

  • The press box needs systems checked, but it is otherwise mostly done.

  • 90% of the fencing is installed.

  • Sodding and landscaping will be finished in the spring.

The $3 million project includes new synthetic turf field, bull pens, fencing, backstop, lighting, dugouts, press box and restrooms.

A plan of action is in place to make sure the field will be available to students on time for the softball season in May. Turf will be finished as the weather allows.

What is the status of the sixth- and seventh-grade building?

A look at the new middle school in Southeast Polk.
A look at the new middle school in Southeast Polk.

A new school building for students in 6th and 7th grades is being built on Eighth Street Southeast and Northeast 80th Street in Altoona, east of the Sam Wise Youth Complex. The school board approved various construction bids totaling roughly $55 million for the project last year.

According to information presented to the board this month:

  • Walls are going up and concrete is being poured.

  • The project is about one-third complete.

  • More concrete, flooring, roofing and wall work is upcoming.

Nothing is impacting the project's summer 2024 completion date, district officials said last week.

Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When will the Southeast Polk stadium, softball fields be done?