After years of planning and anticipation, Central Intermediate School is proud to unveil a brand-new gymnasium; an 11,200 square foot addition that finally provides students in grades 3–5 with a dedicated, modern space for physical education, school events, and community activities.
Originally built in 1955, Central has seen several upgrades over the decades, including a 2015 addition of classrooms and restrooms to support the transition to attendance centers. However, until now, the school’s multi-purpose room, just 2,169 square feet, has long been insufficient to meet the needs of students and staff.
The journey toward this new facility began in 2009, when the Board of Education conducted a strategic planning process focused on long-term facility needs. An elementary gymnasium quickly rose as a top priority. While a new junior high gym was completed in 2017, the vision for a Central gym remained on the table...until now.
The new gymnasium was designed by FGM Architects and built by SM Wilson. The space includes:
A full competition gymnasium
Restrooms and a P.E. office
Ample storage
Nine rows of bleachers with seating for up to 502 guests
This space has already become a hub of activity at Central. Principal, Mr. Kilpatrick, now holds all-school morning meetings in the gym, and students are engaging in age-appropriate physical education activities that promote wellness, teamwork, and lifelong fitness. The gym also allows the district to host school performances, assemblies, and athletic feeder programs without competing for late practice times at the junior high or high school.
Additionally, with four gymnasiums now available within close proximity, the district is better equipped to host basketball and volleyball tournaments, strengthening both school spirit and community engagement.
In another exciting transformation, the former all-purpose room has been renovated into a specialized center for students with special needs. This area now features two large classrooms, adjacent sensory rooms, and two therapy rooms which creates a dedicated space that fosters inclusion and supports diverse learning needs.
The Board of Education is extremely proud to offer Central students a facility that not only meets, but exceeds, what most elementary schools have had for years. We are incredibly grateful for our supportive school community and tax base that make projects like this possible.
At Roxana, we believe that learning spaces should reflect the value we place on every student and this new gymnasium is just one more way we’re living that mission.