Major construction is underway at Buffalo Grove High School, driven by the growth of both athletic programs and the student body. From a second full-sized turf field to a fully renovated stadium, BGHS is making its mark on District 214 history. In a pre-construction interview with the Chicago Tribune, BG Principal Jeff Wardle emphasized the long-term vision, stating, “Rather than just replace the old, the aim is to build something that will still be viable for the entire school and community 50 years later.”

Undertaking such extensive changes while school is in session presents significant challenges. I had the opportunity to speak with Associate Principal of Activities and Operations, Jeff Bott, to gain further insight into how BGHS is navigating these changes.

Any construction, regardless of scale, involves distinct phases. The BGHS project is divided into three key phases:

• Phase 1: Focusing on the north side of the campus, from Arlington Heights Road to the basin, this phase encompasses the construction of a new varsity softball field, new tennis courts, and an additional full-length turf field.
• Phase 2: This phase addresses the existing tennis courts and transforms the basin into the new varsity baseball field.
• Phase 3: Culminating the project, this phase centers on the renovation of Grant Blaney Stadium, encompassing new turf, a new track, a modernized press box, and upgraded bleachers.

As with any large-scale project, unforeseen obstacles arise. For BGHS, rain has become a setback that couldn’t be dealt with because in order to get started on the project workers “destroyed a whole entire field and all the drainage on that field. So whenever it rains there’s puddles and the water doesn’t actually go as quick as you’d think” says Bott. Nothing is one to one in construction whether you’re talking aboutweather, missing parts, etc. because that one big puddle of rain or missing roll of turf may set

back everything by multiple days.

Furthermore, the majority of the construction occurs during the school year, when extracurricular activities typically utilize the fields. Recognizing this, Mr. Bott and Athletic Director Matt Meyers proactively “stacked things to better situate ourselves,” said Bott, referring to the adjustments made to accommodate various athletic schedules.

While the anticipated project components were factored in, another unexpected challenge emerged due to persistent rain. Bott stated, “We were planning on having the basin this year, but because of drainage issues related to the construction, they essentially made us close the basin.” He explained that the rate of water runoff from the construction site is unpredictable during rain, potentially overwhelming the basin’s capacity. As a result, students are unable to use the basin for the 2024-25 school year, necessitating the construction of an alternate lot.

Limited space necessitated the conversion of half of the current BG tennis courts into temporary parking, forcing some tennis teams to practice off-site. Buffalo Grove High School has long been a hub for state-level tennis; this temporary disruption to court availability represents a significant challenge for the tennis program.

Tennis is not the only sport significantly impacted by construction. Varsity football practices now occur in the mornings, not only due to recent heat but also to “alleviate a little bit of practice time for some other sports,” according to Bott.

Construction is an inherently lengthy and stressful process that demands patience and unwavering dedication, as it inevitably encounters numerous obstacles and setbacks. While the project at BGHS may appear to present numerous challenges, the long-term benefits significantly outweigh the temporary inconveniences.

With the completion of Phase 1, Buffalo Grove High School will achieve a significant milestone by becoming the first District 214 school with two full-sized turf fields. While the immediate benefits may seem primarily athletic, Bott emphasized, “It’s going to change fine arts as well.” In two years, the new turf field will feature stadium lighting, mirroring the current stadium, benefiting not only outdoor sports but also Orchesis, cheer, and poms.

Although patience is required before the new fields and courts can be fully utilized, Jeff Bott, Matt Meyers, and the entire BGHS community understand that the completed project will bring unprecedented enhancements to the school, hopefully lasting for the duration of its existence.