Board hoping for new school by Pan Am stadium

The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board is hoping the new Pan Am stadium won’t be the only multi-million dollar project in that neighborhood.

The board is hoping for a new high school and recreation centre to be built directly across the street from the stadium. The province has promised the board $32 million for a new school which will replace three that are set to close. But the board is also asking the city for an additional $17 million for a recreation centre that would be attached.

One possible site for the new school would be Scott Park – even though the board sold that property back in 2004 for $650,000. City council now has to decide whether or not to fork over the funds for the adjoining rec centre.

Parkview principal Paul Beatti says “it would be excellent for the community and the students. I think it would be a great idea to have a partnership, shared costs, better facilities, more facilities, it would be great for this community as well.”

Board chair Tim Simmons: “the area really needs improved recreation facilities, it needs senior facilities, and we think that we can enhance both the school as well as the recreation centre by doing a joint project”

And a neighbourhood child weighed in as well.

“Scott Park is like, everybody comes here and plays football, baseball, and they might be tearing it up to build a new high school. To me it’s kind of stupid.”

Both the school board and representatives from the city met this morning to discuss the project. Council will begin discussing the funding next Thursday.