Bellevue Approves $8.4 Million Upgrade for Leo Gilligan Field and Ben Flora Gymnasium

Bellevue, Kentucky — At a recent monthly meeting, the board members for Bellevue Independent Schools approved an investment of $8.4 million for major upgrades to both Leo Gilligan Field and Ben Flora Gymnasium. The school district plans to issue bonds to fund the project, which aims to enhance local athletic facilities that have served the community for many decades.

The updates to the facilities will include the installation of synthetic turf on the grass field, carried out by Motz Group from Ohio. Meanwhile, Perkins Carmack Construction, also from Ohio, will manage the remainder of the work. Among the planned improvements are a rubberized track, refurbished tennis courts, and a new concession stand equipped with public restrooms. The gymnasium, which has been in use since 1972, will see upgrades to its locker rooms, lobby, and restrooms.

Bellevue superintendent Misty Middleton emphasized the importance of these renovations, stating, “It’s way overdue. Ever since I’ve been here, one of the things I’ve heard consistently is why can’t we have nicer facilities.” She praised the board for taking action to secure the funds necessary for this upgrade, which is set to be completed by August 2025.

Bellevue football teams have hosted their home games at their current location since 1936, and the gym has been pivotal for numerous sporting events over the years. Bellevue’s athletic director, Jim Hicks, echoed the sentiment of excitement, noting the poor condition of the current track and commenting, “This has been a long time coming. The view on Friday nights looking up into the Cincinnati skyline from a brand new stadium is going to be great.”

Currently, Bellevue and neighboring Dayton are the only local high school football teams still using natural grass fields, a situation that will soon change, as Dayton is also in the process of installing a new synthetic turf field and field house before the 2025 football season.