Walt Whitman HS Bleachers, Press Box Reconstruction Almost Finished

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — The bleachers and press box reconstruction at Walt Whitman High School are nearly complete, the South Huntington School District announced. And there should be time to spare ahead of graduation, slated for June 28.

The construction on the new stands and press box has been going on since winter. The finishing touches are being put on the concrete plaza and walkways that will provide extra viewing space, access to the bleachers and to the new concession stand.

The project began back in December when the heavy machinery started moving in and all the protective fencing went up. An excavator ripped up and removed the metal bleachers. Then, the underlying support structure was cleared away so all the power, fiber, and data lines could be run, and so water lines, septic systems, and drainage pipes could be installed. Those lines and systems are not only for the new grandstand area, but for a planned comfort station next to the press box and a front entrance security booth that will replace the security vehicle that is now always stationed there.

The old press box was demolished in mid-December which cleared the way for the new construction to begin. The new bleachers, including wheelchair seating, were installed first. The new press box arrived on April 16 in two prefabricated modular sections on a flatbed truck. A massive crane lifted the first module and placed it on its foundation. The second module was lifted and stacked on top of the first, and crews followed with finishing work on the building. An outside stairway connects the two floors and the exterior features the district’s new updated Wildcat mascot and logo.

The press box, on the top floor, has three separate rooms, plenty of windows and a great view, the district wrote. Each room has its own heating unit and can be closed off by a door. There are numerous power outlets, places to put computers and other equipment, and access to the roof —closed in by a metal railing — so games and other events can be photographed or watched unobstructed from above.

The first floor offers a brand new concession stand for food and, possibly, merchandise sales.

"It's beautiful," said Ken Costa, supervisor of administrative services. "There's plenty of space in there. We have water, plenty of outlets, plenty of power and plenty of light. A big tri-fold window. So if it's cold, they can close it. There's heat for the winter time. There’s going to be a small awning. So our Booster Club is really going to enjoy the site, and our fans and spectators are going to love it."

Costa has been in charge of watching over the progress of the construction.

The new bleachers provide seating for more than 1,800 people, including wheelchairs, and are ADA accessible with a new ramp. The surrounding plaza will have standing room viewing and feature The Community Walkway, and the Memorial Brick Walk which will surround the Senior Spirit Rock.

The Community Walkway will consist of bricks that were purchased by residents and personalized with names or messages of their choice. The Memorial Brick Walk will highlight the district’s County, Long Island and State championships over the decades.

The next phase of the project will be a comfort station adjacent to the concession stand. That is also a prefabricated building with four individual rooms, and it’s expected to be installed some time in the fall.