By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Board members for Bellevue Independent Schools have approved issuing bonds to finance renovations at Leo Gilligan Field and Ben Flora Gymnasium, two historic athletic facilities that have been used by several generations of high school athletes.
At their meeting on Wednesday, board members unanimously voted in favor of authorizing general obligation bonds necessary for the project. A bid statement of probable cost for upgrading both facilities is listed at $6.4 million on the Bellevue Independent Schools website.
If the construction project is approved by the Kentucky Department of Education, the school district will solicit investors to buy bonds that will finance the work.
The board expects to find out the amount raised at its October meeting.
“That’s when we cross our fingers and hope that with what comes in we can do the entirety of what we want to do,” said Superintendent Misty Middleton. “If we can’t, then we’ll have to pick and choose what we can do.”
The athletic facilities are located on Berry Avenue, several blocks from the Bellevue High School building.
Football teams have been playing home games on natural grass at Leo Gilligan Field since 1936. Synthetic turf will be installed as part of the renovation project along with upgrading the track surface and building new concession and restroom facilities.
The first boys basketball game played at Ben Flora Gym was in 1972. It has also been the home court for Bellevue volleyball and girls basketball teams for 52 years. Renovation plans for that building include upgrading locker rooms, public restrooms and lobby area.
Middleton said Bellevue residents voted in favor of a 5-cent tax last year to support the renovation project. That income will be used to pay off the long-term bond holders.
“So it’s really because of the whole community working together that we’re able to do this,” the superintendent said.
If everything goes according to plan, Middleton expects to name a contractor in the next few months and have the project completed before the start of the 2025-26 school year.
“Our kids definitely deserve great facilities,” Middleton said. “I’m super excited for our community and for our student athletes. For many years to come, this will give us something that everyone can be very proud of.”