Silver Creek unveils multi-sport athletic field
Silver Creek unveils multi-sport athletic field
OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Pictured from left to right: Matt Miller, School Business Manager; Board of Education members Brian Boedo, Greg Cole, and Matt Bogosian; Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston; High School Principal Heather Krystofiak; Athletic Director Jesse Hamms; Former Athletic Director Sean Helmer; and Scott Pound, Director of Facilities.
Silver Creek athletes cut the ribbon on the district’s new athletic turf complex on Thursday.
A crowd of several dozen students, community members and dignitaries attended the grand opening of Silver Creek’s new athletic turf complex on Thursday.
OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Pictured from left to right: Matt Miller, School Business Manager; Board of Education members Brian Boedo, Greg Cole, and Matt Bogosian; Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston; High School Principal Heather Krystofiak; Athletic Director Jesse Hamms; Former Athletic Director Sean Helmer; and Scott Pound, Director of Facilities.
Silver Creek athletes cut the ribbon on the district’s new athletic turf complex on Thursday.
A crowd of several dozen students, community members and dignitaries attended the grand opening of Silver Creek’s new athletic turf complex on Thursday.
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SILVER CREEK -- A field for champions was unveiled on Thursday afternoon, and Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston had one word to describe the moment.
"Incredible."
Several dozen students, community members and dignitaries stood outside the Silver Creek Central School building on Thursday afternoon to witness the unveiling of the district's new multi-sport athletic field. Since the plans were first approved by the district to be put out for a public vote several years ago, Ralston has referred to the athletic complex as a "super field".
Thursday's ribbon cutting was every bit as "super" as she could have hoped for.
"I think this field represents the champions of the community," Ralston said. "What this facility will do for our students, for our families will be amazing."
Representatives from the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce were on hand, as well as Assemblyman Andrew Molitor and representatives on behalf of Congressman Nick Langworthy, State Senator George Borrello, and County Executive PJ Wendel.
Following a brief presentation of proclamations and speeches, athletes representing the varsity boys soccer, girls soccer, softball, and baseball teams officially cut the ribbon to open the "super field" for all to enjoy. Dozens of students and community members ran onto the field, and the enjoyment could be seen from children imitating a baseball swing and a trip around the bases to "turf angels" made at the midfield logo.
The athletic complex incorporates baseball, softball, and soccer fields in its design. The turf field will not be used for football, as the district received feedback from the school community that baseball, softball and soccer needed to be prioritized, while utilizing a natural grass field for football games. A new athletic track was installed around the football field in recent years.
Also included in the athletic complex are new scoreboards and dugouts for baseball and softball, portable fences, backstops and perimeter fencing, and an emphasis on improved accessibility for spectators. The construction of the bleachers is still ongoing, but the field is open for immediate use, not only by the district's teams, but also by classes for physical education instruction when weather permits.
"Success at school starts with school connectedness. School connectedness starts with things that make you excited," Ralston said. "... When you feel proud of where you're going every day and you feel proud of what and who you're representing, success comes from that. This is for our students."
The athletic complex is located just behind the district's new elementary playground, allowing families to enjoy the playground while games are going on. Many of the young children in attendance for the ribbon cutting then made their way over to the playground.
The improvements are part of the $36.1 million Capital Project voters approved in December of 2024. It is the largest Capital Project in the school's history. The project was fully funded through capital reserves and state aid reimbursement, resulting in no tax increase to residents.
"I mean it when I say thank you to the community," Ralston said. "When a community approves a project, they are voting for their students, but they are showing that they trust what we're doing for our students. I hope as they see this come to fruition, they know it's going to extend well past the school day, well past the school year, well past a school career. It will become a staple of the community."
Another significant portion of the project, a full auditorium renovation, is ongoing. Ralston expects the auditorium to be open by the end of the school year. The district is planning to hold commencement at its renovated auditorium to conclude the school year.
The capital project also includes upgrades to the pool, gymnasium, and many classrooms, in addition to a new elementary playground, which officially opened in July. Architects from CPL are overseeing the project in its entirety, with management through Buffalo Construction Consultants.