ADRIAN — At its June 9 meeting, the Adrian Public Schools Board of Education reviewed a preliminary plan to place a 0.75 mill proposal on the November 2025 ballot. The proposed community recreation facility would serve both students and residents, with total costs estimated between $22 million and $27 million.
The proposal follows a district-wide facilities assessment and months of community engagement during the 2024–25 school year. Superintendent Nate Parker told the board that public feedback showed sufficient support to proceed with the ballot initiative. Forums, surveys, and polling were used to gauge interest prior to Monday’s presentation.
If approved, the millage would fund a shared-use facility for health and wellness, athletics, performing arts, and community events. Parker emphasized the district’s commitment to long-term collaboration with the community.
The proposed facility would be built north of the Juliane and George Argyous Performing Arts Center and Performance Gym. Plans call for an 87,000-square-foot steel-frame structure featuring a 60-yard turf field, three multipurpose courts, a walking track, a fitness center, a golf simulator, batting cages, and space for concessions and receptions.
Parker stated the project would be open to residents during scheduled time blocks and designed for year-round use. The $27.5 million raised by the millage would cover construction. The district projects $350,000 in annual operating costs to be funded by event rentals, memberships, and programming fees.
If approved by the board at its June 23 meeting, the millage proposal will appear on the November 4 ballot. Public forums are scheduled from August through November.
District leaders say the facility would provide affordable indoor space for youth sports, marching band, cheer, fitness, and adult recreation. Additional communications will be issued over the summer to inform residents ahead of the vote.