The Lakeview High School homecoming celebration began unofficially last week and culminates on Friday.
Most high school homecoming festivities last just one week, but when the Natchitoches Parish School Board met last Thursday night, a milestone was reached that will be officially commemorated Friday night at 6:45.
The School Board approved funding of almost $1 million for an artificial turf field at Lakeview Gator Stadium for the Lakeview High School community. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the project, slated to kick into gear next March, are Friday at 6:45 during the pregame homecoming festivities at Lakeview, just east of Campti.
It’s not just a new artificial turf football field, but an upgrade that will serve LHS and the school’s footprint, that will be celebrated.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, for our school and the community,” said Lakeview High athletics director and head football coach Brandon Helms. “We are super excited about that.
“Of course, it’s a great boost for our football program, but it goes far beyond that sport. When you have the soggy baseball and softball days, you’ll be able to get some work in on the turf. The marching band will be able to use it. The physical education classes will use it,” said Helms.
“Track and field, when it’s necessary, can use it. We are hoping to start a 4-6 grade football program and we’re exploring interest. This provides opportunity for those young kids.
“There are more usages and some I’m sure we haven’t imagined. Even groups like cheerleaders and dance lines will be able to practice using this field no matter how much it might have rained. We are very thankful for the commitment of our school board.”
Geosurfaces Inc. and Sustainability Partners are the collaborating entities with NPSB for the project, which is projected for completion next spring before the Gators begin spring football preparing for the 2022 season. The installation is authorized at a nearly $900,000 expense to be paid monthly over 10 years at $10,091 monthly.
