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Rigby High School file photo, Jan. 28, 2019. Take a look at the site for the new field house in the video above.
RIGBY – Three years after a failed attempt to pass a bond for a new recreation facility at Rigby High School, a generous donor is making those dreams a reality.
In a news release sent to local media Wednesday morning, the district announced Broulim’s will be making a donation to fund the construction of a new field house. Details about the donation amount, as well as the size and location of the building, were not specified.
In an interview with EastIdahoNews.com, Superintendent Chad Martin says company owner Dick Broulim committed to fund the entire project. The amount has not been determined because they’re still taking bids and finalizing plans.
The donation is expected to happen this spring, which will be announced during a groundbreaking ceremony.
The field house will provide an indoor space for student-athletes to practice when the weather is not conducive to spring sports. It will be built in a lot south of the district office across from the high school at 3850 East 300 North.
It will house three tennis courts, a 200-meter track and all the other amenities for track and field. It will also have a turf area for baseball, softball, football and soccer.
“This facility will be an incredible asset to Rigby High School’s sports programs, as well as to the entire Rigby community,” the news release says.
Construction is slated to begin in April or May and will last about a year. Martin anticipates the building being ready for use in spring 2026.
Efforts to build a field house have been in the works for several years. In 2022, the district proposed an $80 million bond that would’ve funded a similar recreation facility, as well as other construction and improvement projects throughout the district.
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It failed to garner the two-thirds supermajority required for it to pass. The district has been looking at other options since then.
Broulim’s contacted Martin several months ago expressing interest in funding it. The district is working with the Broulim family and a design team to come up with a building that everyone is happy with.
He’s grateful for the company’s willingness to support this project.
“How grateful we are for Broulim’s. That family’s been the backbone of our community for a long time. They give so much, especially within our district,” says Martin. “The community knows and loves them and we’re so grateful for their generosity.”
EastIdahoNews.com reached out to the Broulim’s corporate office for comment. A company spokesman has not returned our calls.
In Wednesday’s news release, Dick Broulim says it was their family’s love of the community and their connection to Rigby High School sports that prompted them to make this donation.
“Rigby holds a special place in our hearts. Our whole family grew up here and graduated from Rigby High School,” Broulim says. “We want to give back to the community that has supported us for so long. It is our hope that this donation will benefit this current generation and many generations to come.”
Take a look at the site for the new field house in the video above.
English (United States) ·