By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
It was an event that was more than five years in the making.
After voters passed a bond in 2019 for its funding, Plainwell Community Schools’ new athletic field house made its debut on Friday, Jan. 10.
Featuring a basketball tripleheader with archrival Otsego—freshmen girls followed by varsity girls and finally varsity boys—admission was free as a way to allow community members to see the new facility.
In addition to the gym, the field house also boasts a new swimming pool and an indoor walking/running track.
Plainwell Community Schools superintendent Matthew Montange addressed the crowd prior to the start of the boys varsity game to express the district’s gratitude.
“It was a really nice evening,” Montange said. “We had a great turnout and it gave us a good feel for hosting a large event. Everyone in attendance really seemed to enjoy the evening and our Plainwell folks were clearly proud of the new facility.
“The main take away for me was the sense of relief that we are finally able to use the facility after five years of planning and work.”
Montange said he heard from several of those in attendance.
“There were lots of positive and appreciative comments from those in attendance,” he said. “Most people were thrilled that we can finally use the facility.”
The fact that Otsego was the opponent for the night only added to the evening’s atmosphere.
“It was fun to open against Otsego,” Montange said. “We appreciate the friendly rivalry with them and they are typically our biggest event in terms of attendance.”
After Montange addressed the crowd, the Gilkey Elementary School choir sang the National Anthem.
“That was my favorite part of the evening,” Montange said of the choir’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. “Mr. Oostdyk and his students did a wonderful job.”
While opening night in the new first house is now done, the facility’s impact on the district and community is just beginning.
“This field house just gives us so many more options for programs, practice space and events,” Montange said. “We now have a facility that can be used in a wide variety of ways and allows us to showcase our district and our kids. Our new field house is definitely something our community can be proud of.
“And we just want to give our sincere thanks to the community for making this possible. This facility has an immediate impact for our current students, families and staff but will also impact our community for generations to come.”
The district also announced that the field house’s walking track is now available for public use from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2 p.m. during the week. Community members are asked to use the sign-in sheet before entering the track and are reminded that times are subject to change.
Montange also wants the public to know that finishing touches will continue to be done to the field house.
“Even though we are able to start hosting events, the facility is not quite complete as of yet,” he said. “In addition to exterior landscaping and signage, we also have to finish our pool bleachers and get some high areas cleaned of construction dust.
“We appreciate the patience of the community as we process through these last couple of steps to get the building fully functional.”
