Ribbon cutting held for new sports facility at Cobden Unit 17 School District

COBDEN, Ill. (KBSI) – An area school district got a big upgrade to their sports facility.

Leaders at Cobden Unit 17 School District held a ribbon cutting on Saturday, November 16, at 11 a.m. to reveal a new addition to their high school gym.  

Lots of people came out to view the new 1400 square feet addition.

Superintendent Edwin Shoemate says the $6 million project was funded a couple different ways.  

“We knocked down our 1955 gym three years ago, and this is the end of rebuilding that replacement gym for our kids,” said Shoemate.  “We raised bonds, sold bonds and our community supported us and that’s how we got the funds to build the gym.”

The new addition includes a new basketball and volleyball court, large commons area, weightroom, concession stand, locker rooms, scoreboards, and student dining area.  

The school had not had a new gym since 1955. The new gym can now seat more than 1,000 guests.  

“It’s a great day for all,” said Superintendent Shoemate.