Voters approve $15.7 million bond for new gym at Anamosa High

ANAMOSA — The Anamosa Community School District is getting a new competition gym after voters approved a $15.7 million general obligation bond Tuesday to fund the project.

Voters approved the addition of a second gym to the high school, 209 Sadie St, Anamosa, by almost 70 percent. The gym will have an indoor track, weight room, locker room and other amenities.

An additional $6.3 million will come from sales tax revenue to fund the project, which is projected to cost a total of $22 million. With the approval of the bond, property tax rates will not increase because the district has paid off existing debts.

The gym will be built on the north side of the high school building. It will create easier scheduling for athletic practices, so athletes can avoid early morning and late evening practices. It also allows for additional space for youth teams and activities.

The 168-meter four-lane indoor track will encircle the gym at the ground level. The track will have a cushioned layer topped by a rubber surface. An additional parking lot will be created on the current practice field east of the high school to meet the increased parking needs of students and spectators.

Bleachers will have a capacity for about 1,850 people — larger than the current gym’s 1,000-seat capacity. This will enable Anamosa to host large events, including some state level contests.

There are 6,150 registered voters in the Anamosa School District as of Sept. 13 — predominantly in Jones County — with 277 registered voters in Linn County. A total of 1,237 votes were cast in this special election. The voter turnout was 20 percent.

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