WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newly constructed student activity center this morning, Oct. 9.

The Warsaw High School Activity Center, which is located near the Warsaw Area Career Center, includes a 200-meter track, four full multi-purpose courts, bleachers, long jump and pole vault pits and flexible classroom space. Enhanced equipment within the SAC also allows staff to transition smoothly between activities and sporting events. The equipment includes gym dividing curtains, suspended nets for volleyball and tennis and additional basketball hoops.

According to press releases from the school corporation, the project was conceptualized following a realization for the need of significant change in order to promote the wellness of students, staff and the community.

WCS board members and students, as well as representatives from K21 Health Foundation, 1st Source Bank, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, Weigand Construction and Fanning Howey, attended the ribbon cutting.

“This definitely wouldn’t have happened without some incredible collaboration with some very great people,” said WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. “This is something that is going to be just an incredible asset to our community.”

Warsaw Community Schools is currently working with the student body to select a name for the SAC. The name will be announced after students vote on a name for the building. Even though its located on school grounds, the public also has access to the facility, with open fitness hours for track and court usage, as well as community events.

Specific areas of the Student Activity Center were dedicated to local organizations that provided WCS with grants for the facility’s construction. The indoor track was dedicated as the K21 Fitness Track for the K21 Health Foundation. A classroom overlooking the track was dedicated as the 1st Source Room for 1st Source Bank.

“We really wanted to focus on breaking down the barriers between athletics and academics,” said Steve Herr, an architect with Fanning Howey. “This isn’t just for sports. There can be community events and classes here. Seeing our overall concept work the exact way we hoped it would is great. We’re also happy to have K21 and 1st Source on board with this project and are glad to see the community’s support.”