Kendall Schoenrock outlined a proposal for the site of the "Old Junction City High School" for members of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club on Wednesday. Schoenrock made it clear that it was only a proposal but the idea has been shared with the USD 475 Board of Education, Junction City and Geary County officials and Dorothy Bramlage Public Library leaders. Schoenrock stated that in his opinion "since the land at the current high school was taken by eminent domain, it should continue to be used for public use and not for commercial."
Schoenrock's comments were made as work continues on a new Junction City High School. That new facility is expected to open in August.
Breakfast Optimist Club spokesman Dr. Ferrell Miller reported that Schoenrock is recommending the "Old JCHS" be demolished and mitigated or cleared for "green space, with the possibility of using a 30,000 plus an additional 20,000 square feet area for expansion at 8th and Eisenhower for the new public library. There would be a 25,000 square foot area for a swimming pool, pavilion and area for outdoor concerts and events, and tennis courts and practice fields could be retained for sports teams. The rea could also be used for staging entries for parades, Sundown Salute, outdoor food markets and other possibilities which may not have been thought of at this point.
Once the Board of Education has demolished and mitigated the current high school, it could then be sold to the City at a cost to be determined or transferred.
Schoenrock said that there is optimism in the power of private vision and monetary contributions like that of the project by the group Quality Play For All, who worked together with others in the community to improve the playground area at the Fifth Street Park.