By Natasha Randeniya
Assistant News Editor
Construction on Mira Costa’s Stadium way, between the football snack shack and the Peck Avenue entrance of Waller Stadium, began Nov. 20 during Thanksgiving break.
The improvements are intended to create an environmentally-friendly and renovated space for everyone to enjoy, according to Mira Costa Principle, Dr. Gerger. Work on the Stadium Way project started shortly after its approval at the November MBUSD board meeting. Returning from Thanksgiving break, most students were surprised by the large-scale construction work. This development blocked a popular walkway into the school for students entering from Peck Avenue and complicating access to the bleachers.
“I was really surprised to see the Stadium Way construction when we came back from Thanksgiving break,” said freshman Tali Condos. “It would have been helpful to have an announcement beforehand so we could have been prepared for the changes.”
While the Stadium Way project aims to upgrade the stadium’s walkway, it has also disrupted the students’ access to the field for those who play sports. According to sophomore Alexis Lee, the project has created issues about where students can get dropped off or picked up and how they can access the field.
“The Stadium Way construction has made getting to lacrosse practice at the Waller Stadium field really frustrating,” said Junior Zak Lachance. “We have to find alternate ways that take longer to reach the field which is annoying.”
The previously uneven and cracked pavement is being completely repaved as part of this renovation, creating a smoother walkway. The aim is to have these improvements completed in time for the graduation of the class of 2024 to allow the ceremony to take place with a newly refurbished Stadium walkway for families attending.
“Although the Stadium Way project is supposed to be done before graduation, I would rather they wait until school is over to do construction,” said senior Jadyn Lipsky. “It blocks off multiple entrances and makes it harder to get to certain places. ”
According to Dr.Gerger, with the continuous on and off rain the progression of the construction is moving smoothly. The construction team is working hard to complete the project in hope of it being done before graduation, she said. Gerger stated, the only challenge so far is the discovery of an old pipe underground that was tested for asbestos, requiring a specialized company to safely remove it.
“I hope the Stadium is ready for graduation and looks inviting and welcoming to all the people that are coming to Costa,” said Gerger. “I would like for all the attendees of the games at Waller Stadium to have a nice place to walk.”
Dr. Gerger, in response to the ongoing construction, had to revise the year’s fire drill plans. She consulted with the safety committee to discuss alternate routes for students, as Waller Stadium is not accessible. Around 40 classes that initially used Waller Stadium had to be relocated due to the construction.
Leave a Reply