Update on Progress of RHS ADA Accessibility and Wellness Project

Dear Radnor Community,

I am writing to provide you with an update about the status of our ADA Accessibility and Wellness Infrastructure Project at Radnor High School. Previously, on August 2, I provided an update and additional information which you can view here.  

Our administration and contractors continue to focus on a November completion date for the project. We also recognize that current and additional setbacks could impact that target. Our construction team has worked hard to open parts of our facility as they become completed and safely accessible. For example:

• We were able to safely allow our football team to access Prevost Field for practice even though the surrounding area is still under construction.
• Soccer and field hockey fans were able to use the new Encke Field sidewalks, ramps and bleachers for the first-time last week.
• Volleyball has been able to use the gym although air conditioning installation, mechanical upgrades and construction continue around that wing of the building.

We continue to remain hopeful that our football team, marching band, cheer, and color guard will be back on our home field in October, even though the project will not be completed. If we are unable to be home for a competition in October, we will be prepared for an alternative site so all competitions will continue. We understand how important a home competition is to our students, especially our seniors.  

As construction inside around our pool area and fitness room continues, contractors have begun milling the track in preparation for resurfacing. The lower level of the new Field House that has bathrooms, concessions and team rooms is near completion. To use these facilities immediately, we will seek a temporary Certificate of Occupancy from the Township.

We are actively developing and adjusting plans to try and host a home football game this season because we recognize its importance for our students and community. For example, we may be able to host a game in October using only our away bleachers with modifications for navigating the surrounding area. However, we must be prepared that despite all our efforts it may not be possible to host a home game on Prevost Field this season.

Our ADA Accessibility and Wellness Infrastructure Project is only 17 months along and is a major infrastructure project impacting several areas of our high school campus. Over the past 17 months we have faced significant unforeseen environmental and utility challenges with an older facility, in addition to pandemic interruptions to supply chains and labor shortages. Through all these challenges our project has continued.  

We evaluate Prevost construction weekly and will continue to provide our community updates here. We are so excited for the lasting impact these improvements will have on our programs and community. You can also see photos taken today on the project webpage. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we make these meaningful improvements for our students and community.

Sincerely,

Ken

Kenneth E. Batchelor
Superintendent of Schools