OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Pictured is a rendering of the proposed multi-sport athletic field as part of a capital project proposal up for a vote today.

SILVER CREEK — The largest capital project proposal in Silver Creek Central School District history has passed.

After a total of 240 votes were cast on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the High School Lobby. Shortly after 9 p.m., the District reported the project passed by a vote of 177-63.

While the project is the largest in the school’s history at a total cost of $36.1 million, it carries no additional tax impact on voters thanks to a $5.7 million contribution from the District’s Capital Reserve fund. The District has been saving money for several years in its Capital Reserve account with the goal of a substantial project.

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

The project addresses all aspects of the District’s needs, including a renovated auditorium, an upgraded playground, pool updates, redesigned classroom spaces, and new turf athletic fields.

A major area of focus in the project is a major renovation of the auditorium. New seating, flooring updates including aisle lighting, and wall fixtures will be included in the renovation, as well as sound system and acoustics improvements.

Features of the new playground include age-appropriate equipment and a design that is compliant with ADA requirements and accessible to all students. A rubberized surface will replace the existing wood chips to protect from injury. The new playground would also feature Silver Creek school colors and branding.

Regarding the multi-sport turf field, which Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston has called a “super field”, the proposed space incorporates baseball, softball, and soccer fields in its design. The turf field will not be used for football as the District consistently received feedback that baseball, softball and soccer needed to be prioritized. The District recently installed a new track around its natural grass football field.

The “super field” will be installed in the open area behind the school near the playground, which is often used as a practice space for the football team during the summer. Also included will be new scoreboards and dugouts for baseball and softball, portable fences, backstops and perimeter fencing, and an emphasis on improved accessibility for spectators.

The District will also renovate and update its pool, including a dehumidification system, updated tiles and pool deck improvements. Improvements will also be made to the locker rooms, including increased storage place, as well as new wall mats, lighting, and school branding in the gyms.

Restroom reconstruction, information technology and mechanical system upgrades, loading dock reconstruction and freight elevator improvements will also be addressed through the project. Lighting and rooftop unit upgrades, ceiling replacements, expanded security systems with additional cameras, plumbing updates and ventilator replacements are also included.

The District will also be modernizing classrooms throughout all three buildings to better accommodate group work and problem-based learning. Grant funding will also assist with furniture purchases for the updated spaces.

TIMELINE:

Now that the project has been approved, the design phase of the project will begin this upcoming spring. A year from then, in the spring of 2026, the District anticipates approval from the State Education Department. Once approved by the State, the District would begin construction. An anticipated commencement date of construction is targeted for the summer of 2026, with construction set to conclude by the fall of 2027.

The architecture company for the project is CPL: Architecture, Engineering, and Planning. The construction management company is Buffalo Construction Consultants.