New performance center to provide multisport training, conditioning facility, practice space

Raider athletes will have access to a new performance center in 2023 and community financial support is sought to bring the project to completion. A $1.25 million private donation from a local family launched the project earlier this year. Remaining funding is needed to furnish the weight room equipment, complete the flooring/turf facilities and purchase multisport netted cages.

Williamsburg High School Activities Director Nathan King reports fundraising is about $250,000 from completion. In addition to the initial donation to construct the building, $100,000 has been donated by the Williamsburg Booster Club and the Williamsburg Community School District has committed to giving $100,000.

Groundbreaking was held in August and the exterior of the building is nearing completion. King notes the goal is to have the interior weight room portion finished by June 1 for strength and conditioning by athletes participating in summer sports. Jensen Construction, Williamsburg, is the general contractor, with many local subcontractors.

Located on the west side of the Williamsburg Junior/Senior High School campus, the facility will feature over 4,800 square feet of weight room space with 20 new weight rack stations, providing a 3:1 student to rack ratio. Racks will not be raised, allowing for handicap accessibility to all equipment. Bumper plate weights will provide a safer way for students to lift, as well as having a longer life-span and keeping the facility flooring in better condition. A nutrition bar will offer health education to compliment lifting programs and lifelong wellness.

In addition to the weight room, a 9,280-square-foot turf facility will provide indoor training and practice space for all students in grades K-12. The surface will replicate the turf in Bob Murphy Stadium and three drop-down cages will be used by baseball, softball and golf teams.

Need to upgrade, expand

The need for a new weight room arose due to the following concerns: recent mold mitigation in the current weight room; the existing weights are over 20 years old and the concrete floors are damaged from the weight equipment.

Williamsburg ranks seventh out of 11 when comparing weight room size to other WaMaC schools. As the district’s student population continues to grow, with nearly 100 students per grade, the student to equipment ratio is currently 6:1

The school’s existing gymnasiums are occupied regularly by local youth teams and various K-12 school programs, often limiting teams to one night of practice each week. The Williamsburg Recreation Center isn’t a viable alternative, due to limited availability. Plans are for the gyms to be used for in-season activities while the turf facility can accommodate activities that are in the offseason.

Fundraising

The goal is to raise $400,000 to complete the final three phases: Phase 1 is weight room flooring and weights; Phase 2, turf, and Phase 3, baseball, softball and golf cages.

Contribution levels

Contribution levels are as follows:

Royal Raider: $25,000 plus (includes lifetime pass for athletic events, name in prominent location at stadium and on donor board)

Platinum: $10,000 — $24,999 (Named rack or cage, donor board)

Championship: $5,000 — $9,999 (named rack, donor board)

Red: $1,000 — $4,999 (donor board)

White: $100 — $999 (donor board)

Black: up to $99

How to give

Donations may be mailed to: Williamsburg Foundation, P.O. Box 120, Williamsburg, Iowa 52361. Include “Williamsburg Performance Center” on the memo line.

Donors may provide the following information to complete an ACH transfer from their bank to Farmer’s Trust and Savings Bank, account number 114456, routing number 073906160, account type, checking; account name, WCSD Foundation — Performance Center; bank name and address, Farmer’s Trust and Savings Bank, 510 Elm St., Williamsburg, Iowa 52361.

For wiring instructions, call Farmer’s Trust and Savings Bank at (319) 668-2525.

For questions, contact Nathan King, activities director, at nathanking@williamsburg.k12.ia.us or call (563) 920-7262.

Comments: Melinda.Wichmann@southeastiowaunion.com