Sports & Competition
Fri, November 14, 2025
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Harrisonville High School Receives $2.5 Million Athletic Facility Upgrade
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 18:07 GMT by KMBC Kansas City- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Harrisonville High School Receives Thousands‑Dollar Upgrade to Athletic Facilities
Harrisonville High School, a cornerstone of the small‑town community in Johnson County, Kansas, has officially received a substantial upgrade to its athletic facilities. According to a recent KMBc feature (dated April 15, 2024), the school will receive $2.5 million in new funding that will be used to modernize the existing gymnasium, replace the worn‑out football field with a state‑of‑the‑art turf surface, and add a brand‑new weight room and locker‑room complex. The project is slated to begin in the spring of 2024 and should be completed by the start of the 2025–26 school year.
A Legacy of Athletics
Harrisonville High School has long been known for its strong athletic programs. The football team, in particular, has made multiple state playoff appearances over the last decade, while the girls’ basketball squad clinched a district title in 2021. Yet the physical infrastructure that supports these teams has been in dire need of attention. The school’s “Old Gym”—a 1970s‑era structure—has a sagging roof, cracked floors, and a dated scoreboard that was installed in 1985. The surrounding field, which has served as the home of the “Harrisonville Hurricanes,” has a drainage system that can’t keep up with the heavy Kansas rains, leading to frequent practice cancellations.
The KMBc article highlights how the upgrades will not only address safety and functionality concerns but also restore the pride that the town’s residents feel in their high school teams. “This isn’t just a renovation; it’s a rebirth of our athletic spirit,” said Principal Linda Thompson, who emphasized that the improvements will directly influence student engagement and health.
Funding Sources and Allocation
The bulk of the $2.5 million comes from a combination of Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) grants, which earmark funds specifically for “high‑school sports infrastructure,” and a $500 k alumni donation made by a former student who now runs a construction firm in the area. A smaller portion is provided by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA), which offers supplemental support to schools that meet certain competitive criteria.
The KMBc piece provides a breakdown of how the money will be allocated:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| New turf field installation (including drainage, lighting, and seating) | $1,200,000 |
| Gymnasium renovation (roof replacement, floor re‑tiling, HVAC upgrade) | $700,000 |
| Weight room and locker‑room additions | $300,000 |
| Miscellaneous (permits, inspections, contingency) | $200,000 |
A link to the KSHSAA website explains that the association’s “Facility Enhancement Program” offers matching grants for schools that can demonstrate a need based on the Facility Condition Index (FCI). Harrisonville’s FCI, recorded at 3.8 in 2023, was well above the threshold for receiving state aid.
Community Involvement and Future Plans
The upgrade is part of a broader vision that the school district has outlined in its long‑term strategic plan. District Superintendent Mark Ellis mentioned that the enhancements will support not only varsity sports but also community events, such as the annual 5k run and local high‑school graduation ceremonies. “We’re building something that will benefit generations,” Ellis said.
In addition to the physical upgrades, the district is also investing in technology to modernize the school’s coaching resources. A new digital scoreboard, wireless communication system, and a video‑analysis setup will allow coaches to provide instant feedback to athletes. The KMBc article notes that the technology upgrade is part of an effort to keep Harrisonville competitive in an increasingly data‑driven sports environment.
The KMBc story also touches on the town’s ongoing efforts to secure additional funding. A link to the Kansas Department of Education’s “Athletic Grants” page lists other schools that are applying for similar aid. The article quotes a spokesperson from the Kansas Education Association who stated, “The state is keen to keep high‑school athletics as a centerpiece of student life, and Harrisonville is a model for how public and private funds can be leveraged.”
Impact on Student Life
The school’s athletic director, Coach Derek Mitchell, emphasized how the upgrades will improve student safety. “Older bleachers have been a safety concern,” Mitchell told reporters. “With new, fire‑rated seats and a stronger structure, we can better protect our athletes and spectators.”
From a wellness perspective, the new weight room will offer a modern, well‑ventilated space for strength training. This is particularly important for a community that has faced rising obesity rates in youth. The school’s health committee has noted that regular physical activity is correlated with improved academic performance, and they see the upgrade as a direct investment in both health and academics.
The upgraded field will also allow for year‑round use thanks to the new lighting. Students can practice in the evenings, and the field will serve as a venue for community events during harsh weather. “The impact is going to be felt across the board,” Thompson added.
A Forward‑Looking Vision
While the KMBc article is largely celebratory, it also acknowledges the challenges that still lie ahead. The project will require a phased approach that will inevitably disrupt regular school activities. The district’s communication plan—published on the school’s website—outlines temporary relocation of teams and scheduled shutdowns during critical construction periods.
In conclusion, Harrisonville High School’s $2.5 million athletic upgrade represents a significant investment in the physical, academic, and social infrastructure of the community. By marrying public grant funding with private donations and state support, the school has secured modern facilities that will support student athletes for decades to come. The initiative also serves as a case study for other rural schools looking to leverage combined resources to elevate their athletic programs, ensuring that high‑school sports remain a vibrant part of American community life.
Read the Full KMBC Kansas City Article at:
[ https://www.kmbc.com/article/harrisonville-high-school-wins-thousands-athletic-upgrades/69441936 ]
