Zeeland Public Shows Off New Physical Education Spaces At High Schools
Written / Posted By: Mitchell Boatman Holland Sentinel
ZEELAND — Students at Zeeland East and Zeeland West have new, state-of-the-art physical education and weight room facilities, thanks to voter support on a 2021 bond.
Zeeland Public Schools recently hosted a pair of open houses during varsity basketball games Jan. 19 and 26 to showcase the new spaces to the public. They include weight lifting and strength conditioning equipment and a turf field space at both high schools.
ZPS Superintendent Brandi-Lyn Mendham said the facilities have been a hit with students and community members who've stopped by the open houses.
“When kids walk in, their eyes just light up in these spaces. I think they realize how fortunate they are to have (them),” she said Jan. 26. “We’ve been really excited about the turnout (at both open houses). People have come in and had lots and lots of compliments about it.”
Work at Zeeland East was an addition, while Zeeland West renovated an existing space.
“It was a great space before, (but) our athletic director would say it didn’t have as much of an identity back then,” Mendham said. “That was the mission in this space, to create an identity for the Dux. We’re really thrilled with how it turned out."
Zeeland West Athletic Director Jordan Bandstra said the new room will benefit various classes while providing workout space for several sports, including track and field throwers, baseball and softball players and small group workouts for sports like soccer and football.
“We have everything we need, it’s top of the line,” Bandstra said. “We love it, we’re really happy the community supported it."
The projects were funded as part of the district’s $75 million bond proposal approved by voters in 2021. Mendham said the open houses were a way to show gratitude to the community for their support.
Current bond work is focused on an addition to the administration building, which includes a dedicated space for board of education meetings. The board currently meets at either Creekside Middle School or Zeeland West.
Once the school year ends, additional work will begin at various buildings throughout the district.