NEW LONDON, WI – After years of planning and careful budgeting, the New London School District has officially completed a new concessions and restroom facility at its high school stadium, with the building set to debut at the Bulldogs’ first home track meet.
Director of Business Services Joe Marquardt says the project has been a long time coming for the district. “The project has been on the capital improvement plan for the board for a long time.”
When the stadium was originally built, the district was unable to extend water and sewer services to the site due to the high cost of connecting to city utilities. Marquardt says that limitation forced the district to operate concessions without running water for years, relying instead on temporary solutions like portable restrooms. “We were running concessions without running water, bringing water in all the time, and we had bathrooms that were porta potties,” he said.
That changed when a subdivision was developed just west of the high school, creating a new opportunity for infrastructure access. “We had the sewer and water laterals right up to the end of that cul-de-sac,” Marquardt explained. “That really created an opportunity for us to make that wish a reality.” Without that nearby connection, he says the cost to extend utilities could have approached $1 million, making the project unrealistic.
Instead, the district was able to complete the entire project for under $275,000, funded through Fund 46, its long-term capital improvement account. Marquardt credits the school board’s strategic planning for making the project possible. “The board’s phasing in when the budget allows, is a responsible way to spend public resources,” he said.
The district worked with local partners, including New London Building Supply to develop plans, and ultimately selected RGM Construction to complete the project. The board approved a budget not to exceed $275,000, which covered all aspects of the build from earthwork to materials and Marquardt says the project has stayed within that limit.
While minor additions like signage and exterior tables may still be needed, the facility is ready to serve athletes, families, and fans. Marquardt says the goal was to strike the right balance between cost and quality. “This was a long time coming, and the board just needed to make sure they did the project in a way that made sense and a community that would be proud of the work,” he said.
With the facility now complete and open, district officials believe it will significantly enhance the experience at New London High School events, marking a major step forward for the school’s athletic infrastructure.
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