Work underway at Indian Creek’s Kettlewell Stadium

WINTERSVILLE -- Work has begun at the Robert Kettlewell Memorial Stadium, limiting access to community users for now.

Indian Creek Assistant Superintendent John Belt said the project began July 1 and will add retaining walls, some new sidewalk and other improvements. SoL, Harris/Day, the North Canton-based architectural firm behind the construction and renovation of Indian Creek High, Cross Creek Elementary and Hills Elementary schools, oversaw the bid process with Grae-Con Construction of Wintersville performing the work. Belt added that costs are being defrayed through the district's construction fund.

"The project should wrap up in mid-to-late-August," he commented. "They are building a retaining wall, replacing sidewalks and adding a concrete pad around the concession area. (The cost is being paid) with the final funds from the school construction project. It's the local interest portion of the construction fund and will not be additional tax funds or come out of the general fund."

Plans are to push the hillside behind the scoreboard back because it was encroaching upon the track and place the retaining wall and sidewalk, then add a concrete pad near concession stand No. 2. Another retaining wall was being erected behind the stands while fencing was also being replaced around the stadium.

Previous revamps at the stadium included replacing the first concession stand and restrooms, but the next item on the list is to give the Lester Carney Track a facelift prior to the next track season.

"It's been nine years since the track was resurfaced, so we plan to resurface it for next year. It will be done either by the end of summer or the first of spring."

In the meantime, the stadium will be off limits to the community for the duration of the summer project, but they can still access the campus for exercise.

"They can walk or jog on campus but can't go into the stadium area," Belt said.