OAW Sports Complex Outlines Plan For Re-Opening After Roof Collapse

NEW BERLIN, WI — After the roof partially collapsed at New Berlin's OAW Indoor Sports Complex in July, the facility is laying out plans to reopen.

Construction was slated to begin by mid-September concentrating on the southwest corner above the basketball courts, according to a Sept. 6 statement OAW posted to its website and Facebook. It was important to wait for the new steel exterior panels before removing the roof, OAW said.

The damage to OAW's roof came on July 5 with a heavy rainstorm. About 50 people inside had to be evacuated, according to the New Berlin Fire Department. The 5330 Racine Avenue facility was deemed very unsafe after the partial collapse in the southwest corner.

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The re-opening was set in phases. The first floor and all turf areas are expected to re-open by November, while the rest of the building could be back open by December, OAW said.

"Rest assured, the cause of the roof collapse is corrected and will be deemed 100% safe when we welcome you back," OAW said. People can get updates on the progress of the reconstruction through the complex's Facebook page.

Leading up to the expected reopening, OAW has been advertising different leagues for basketball, kickball and wiffleball on its Facebook for this fall.