Mattoon School Board members received an update Tuesday evening on the high school’s athletic facilities project.

The enhancements highlighted by district administrators included campus drainage improvements to alleviate flooding in the JROTC area during heavy rains. 

The football upgrades include a synthetic turf field with a “shock” pad, as well as a new scoreboard, perimeter fencing, bleachers and a refurbished press box.   

The district plans to tear down the current press box due to ongoing concerns of repair costs.  Additionally, the running track will be rebuilt with new field event areas moved to the east side of the track. 

This will free up space for additional bleachers on the west side of the track. The baseball field will also have a synthetic turf infield, a new backstop, netting down the baselines and more efficient lighting. The soccer field upgrades include new synthetic turf and lighting, while the tennis courts will be resurfaced.   

Administrators hope with favorable weather that all projects will be completed by April or May of 2022.   

The football team will play all of its home games at EIU this fall, while the girls tennis team will play their home matches this fall at Lytle Park. 

The goal is to only have those sports affected, but spring track home meets will be contingent on the progress of the upgrades. 

The facility is being financed through a $2 million state grant and a 10 year debt certificate utilizing local sales tax dollars. 

The board also approved the resignation of Mattoon High School softball coach Hannah Dow.  Dow also resigned from her teaching job as she is moving.  No replacement has been named.