FREEPORT — Highland Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees approved planning for the expansion of the Sports Complex facility during their Oct. 15 board meeting. The Board authorized Highland administration to move forward with planning, designing, and permitting for future renovations of the current Sports Complex into an athletic and learning center. Once the planning and design are complete, the Board will be presented with a request for approval of the necessary bids, as well as bonding resolutions for financing of the cost of the project, as may be necessary after securing private donations and/or available grants. The budget for the expansion will not surpass the current estimated cost of $38 million.
The facility expansion is set to significantly enhance the College’s academic programs, support increased enrollment, and foster long-term sustainability efforts. It will provide students with additional opportunities to excel in both academics and athletics. By improving its infrastructure, Highland will not only attract new students, but it will also give all students a campus environment that supports their success both inside and outside the classroom.
“The approval to move forward with this project is a milestone moment for Highland’s future,” said Highland President Chris Kuberski. “The project allows us to reimagine our academic offerings, expand and update the facility to meet current athletic and wellness needs, and grow our athletic programs. Ultimately, this creates an opportunity for Highland to better serve our students and our community.”
The Sports Complex Building, which was first occupied in early 1980 by Highland and the YMCA, was constructed to meet the space needs of both entities at that time. As the YMCA’s original 50-year tenancy agreement with Highland nears its end, the two groups explored how to best continue working together now that both parties face different challenges and expectations than they did when the agreement was first struck.
In 1980, the YMCA did not offer childcare and HCC only had four athletic teams. Now the YMCA provides childcare services to over 100 children, with hundreds of slots still needed in northwest Illinois. Highland has grown to 11 competitive, nationally recognized men’s and women’s sports teams, with a vision for future expansion of both athletics and academic programs.
Through a joint task force formed by HCC and the YMCA, it was determined that it was not feasible to create the amount of space required by both parties at the current location. Therefore, the YMCA decided it will vacate the Sports Complex Building, as well as the Child Care/Training Center, at the end of the tenancy agreement.
Highland remains dedicated to its mission of providing a well-rounded, accessible education for all students. The facility expansion is the final piece of a broader strategy to enhance academic offerings, improve campus infrastructure, and ensure the long-term success of the College. Highland’s “reimagine” efforts on campus have resulted in new campus exterior signage, new welding and CNC machining labs, nursing simulation hospital, mobile medical unit, renovations to fine arts and agriculture, upgrades to student spaces, and purchases of new software to support students and faculty. In total, the College has invested $18.1 million on improvements to the campus over the past five years. The expansion of the facility will serve as a capstone for the College’s strategic growth plan.
In addition to providing a high-quality training space for athletes and students, the updated facility will help the College address challenges of the nationwide decline in traditional college-age students. Expanding and diversifying the College’s campus offerings will be key to attracting prospective students. This initiative comes at a critical time when student athletes play an essential role in sustaining enrollment numbers, with many institutions seeing enrollment growth through the successful recruitment of talented individuals in a variety of athletic programs.
The renovated facility will also offer expanded course offerings related to physical education, healthcare such as physical therapy assistant or exercise science, and other fields, aligning with the growing demand for specialized education. These new academic opportunities will not only serve students pursuing athletic careers but will also benefit those interested in health, wellness, and other areas of study.
Highland continues to play a critical role in driving local economic growth by equipping residents with in-demand job skills, supporting workforce development, and fostering partnerships with local businesses. By aligning programs with regional industry needs, HCC ensures a steady pipeline of skilled workers, helping local employers thrive while attracting new investment to the area. Adding additional athletics and educational programs will attract and retain both area and out-of-district prospective students, which strengthens the College’s and region’s viability.
The current estimated cost for renovation and expansion of the Sports Complex Building was developed through a feasibility study conducted in 2022 by Sports Facilities Advisory, LLC and input from those who would be involved in and/or affected by the proposed renovation and expansion.
