Building Community Pride

Trousdale County High School embarked on a significant renovation project to rebuild its football stadium, John Kerr Field, addressing safety concerns and enhancing accessibility without additional county funds. This $856,000 project, funded primarily by local donors, aimed to address liability issues, improve safety, and ensure ADA compliance. The renovation was planned to be completed over the summer of 2021, with a tight schedule to ensure the field was ready for the upcoming football season. 

Primary Objectives of the Project

• Enhancing Safety: Addressing critical safety concerns by replacing old, hazardous bleachers with modern, secure systems.
• Improving Accessibility: Ensuring the stadium meets ADA requirements, including installing handrails, reworking ramps, and adding a stairwell and handicapped seats.
• Community Engagement: Leveraging local support and donations to fund and complete the project without additional county money. 

The renovation project began with the complete demolition of the old bleachers on both the home and visitor sides of the stadium. This phase commenced immediately after the school's graduation ceremony on May 22, with an accelerated timeline to start earlier on the visitors' side. The demolition process was expected to last four to five weeks. Despite concerns about potential delays, the project was strategically planned to allow for contingencies, including finding alternate sites for events like the Tobacco Bowl Jamboree, if necessary. 

A critical aspect of the renovation was ensuring the stadium met ADA requirements. This included installing handrails, reworking ramps on both sides of the bleachers, and adding a stairwell in the middle of the home section. The project also incorporated 20 handicapped seats, increasing stability for all spectators. The home side bleachers were expanded from 16 rows to 18, slightly increasing the stadium's capacity. These enhancements were aimed at making the stadium safer for both fans and visitors, addressing the severe liability issues that had plagued the old structure. 

Local businesses and citizens played a vital role in the project's success, donating materials and labor. This community support was instrumental in staying within budget and meeting the project deadlines. Despite challenges posed by a wetter-than-usual summer, the construction teams managed to stay on schedule through early morning starts and efficient project management. By mid-July, the concrete pads were poured, and materials for the new bleachers were delivered. This gave the crews four weeks to finalize the installation before the Tobacco Bowl Jamboree on August 13. The collaborative effort ensured that the stadium would be ready for the home opener on August 27, providing a safe and compliant facility for the school and its supporters. 

Importance of Open Communication

Throughout the project, it was essential to maintain open and honest communication with the manufacturer. Being upfront about budget restrictions and important dates helped ensure the project stayed on track. Choosing a manufacturer that also handled the installation proved to be beneficial, as it streamlined the process and minimized potential issues. Continuous communication between the school and the manufacturer helped avoid surprises at the end, ensuring a smooth and successful renovation. The renovation of John Kerr Field was a comprehensive project that addressed critical safety and accessibility issues while engaging the local community. Through careful planning, efficient execution, and community support, Trousdale Conty High School successfully transformed its football stadium into a modern, ADA-compliant facility. The project improved the spectator experience and highlighted the crucial role of community involvement. 

Key Takeaways

• Community Support: Local donations of materials and labor were crucial to staying within budget. 
• Effective Planning: Strategic planning and project management ensured the project stayed on track despite challenges. 
• Safety and Accessibility: The renovations significantly improved safety and accessibility, addressing critical liability issues. 
• Enhanced Spectator Experience: The new bleachers and additional facilities have enhanced the overall spectator experience. 
• Open Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication with the manufacturer about budget restrictions and important dates is crucial for a successful project. 
• Comprehensive Services: Working with a manufacturer that also handles installations can streamline the process and minimize potential issues.