Copyright cleveland.com
GRAFTON, Ohio — Midview Local Schools has announced a $27 million plan to overhaul its athletic facilities in a three-phase project that will benefit both students and the broader community. The project includes a 70,000-square-foot indoor athletic and wellness complex, a new multi-purpose facility at the entrance of Ross Field at Adelsberg Stadium and fully renovated baseball and softball fields, according to a news release. The project is funded in part by $8.5 million in grant funding and private donations from The Ross Foundation and the Cromling family. The remaining $18.5 million will be financed through certificates of participation (COPS), a lease-purchase option that allows public entities to access funding with long-term, interest-free repayment. Construction on the state-of-the-art indoor athletic and wellness complex will begin in early 2026, according to the release. Located on the former middle school site, the 70,000-square-foot facility will feature a 40-yard indoor turf field, indoor track, multi-sport court, practice areas for wrestling and cheerleading, drop-down batting cages, meeting and training rooms and a virtual golf simulator. The wellness complex will also include a satellite clinic that will serve students, staff and residents. The existing entrance to Ross Field at Adelsberg Stadium will be replaced with a two-story multi-purpose facility. The first floor will feature locker rooms, accessible restrooms, coaches’ spaces and upgraded concessions and ticketing areas. The second floor will house the district’s Board of Education offices -- currently located at East Intermediate School -- to free space for the district’s expanding preschool program, according to the release. Construction on the district’s baseball and softball fields is scheduled to begin in late October, with completion expected before the spring season. The upgrades will address chronic drainage issues at the facilities and feature rebuilt climate-controlled dugouts, upgraded bullpens, synthetic turf for year-round play, new fencing and a double-sided scoreboard. The Ross and Cromling families have long supported Midview schools. Previous support has allowed the district to install turf at Ross Field and renovate the high school weight room, according to the release. The families also donated nearly $18,000 in “Stop the Bleed” emergency medical kits for every classroom.
