By Jim Misunas
The Valley Center school district is fully invested with athletic improvements with Hellas Construction, which operates a home office in Wichita.
Hellas recently completed Valley Center’s softball/baseball turf complex that is part of two on-site turf practice facilities that are utilized by football, soccer, band and physical education classes.
Superintendent Cory Gibson and Valley Center’s school board are steadily approving projects in a 25-year master plan that have included new tennis courts and a track facility.
“We have installed two turf practice/playing fields next to the high school, which is very unique for a school district,” said Caleb Smith, Valley Center athletic director. “We’re blessed to have a very supportive school board that has the foresight to develop a 25-year facility plan.”
A rainy spring shifted two baseball/softball home dates and canceled a third date in 2019. That’s no longer an issue. The city’s water restrictions convinced the district to move forward with the project.
“The biggest advantage with turf is it’s ideal on days where a grass field would be too wet to practice or play games outdoors,” Smith said. “Turf will provide us with more outdoor practice time. We’ll gain outdoor practice time and we’ll be able to play games quicker with a turf facility.”
Smith said the entire school district benefits from the turf facilities.
“We’ve got a 140-member marching band that uses the turf facility every day,” Smith said. “Having two turf multi-purpose fields side-by-side is a plus for our school.”
Some of the Hellas projects are two years old.
“Every activity in the community is taking advantage of the turf facilities,” Smith said. “You see youth activities and junior football and flag football using the fields. The nicest part is our whole community is benefiting.”
Smith said district patrons have been gracious with their support of the facilities.
“Our community takes pride in what we’ve put together,” Smith said. “Our school superintendent has provided us financially with very good planning. Our district is using money the right way. It’s nice to hear the community appreciates what we’ve done as a district.”
Smith said the key to Hellas’ local growth is Michelle Kuhns, Hellas central region vice president who served as Wichita South’s athletic director for 11 years.
“Michelle Kuhns worked as an athletic director and she understands the ins-and-outs of how districts operate. They showcase excellent customer service and make every project right.”
“When I worked in Wichita, I was part of the bond committee that improved Wichita USD facilities,” Kuhns said. “We have a good understanding of what districts are looking for. I know the bonding process and how everything works together. Local districts know I’ll be honest with them with what we will provide.”
Hellas Construction has completed projects for Wichita USD 259, Goddard, Andover and Maize. College projects include Wichita State, Bethel College, Fort Hays State, Kansas Wesleyan and the University of Kansas.
