Canal Winchester
Local Schools
Canal Winchester Schools To Break Ground on New PAC May 14
![A modern, brick-clad building with the "Performing Arts Center" sign prominently displayed, set against a clear blue sky with a grassy foreground and a parked car visible.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776269166/canalwinchesterschoolsorg/junexwukphybb1wi7iug/PACRenderingThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776269166/canalwinchesterschoolsorg/junexwukphybb1wi7iug/PACRenderingThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776269166/canalwinchesterschoolsorg/junexwukphybb1wi7iug/PACRenderingThumbnail.png","width":580}])
Megan Anthony
Canal Winchester Schools invites community members to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Canal Winchester High School.
“We are excited to celebrate the opportunities the new performing arts center will create for our students at Canal Winchester Schools,” said Superintendent Kiya Hunt. “From music performances and theater to public speaking and presentations, this space will support generations of students as they explore their interests, discover their passions, and reach their full potential.”
The $29 million facilities project includes construction of a new 700+ seat Performing Arts Center at Canal Winchester High School, a new field house at Mike Locke Stadium, and a renovated baseball and softball complex. The full project is expected to be completed in Fall 2027.
The project will also add several site improvements. Additional parking will be added to the north side of the high school to support the performing arts center. An existing access road connecting Franklin Street to the high school will be straightened and extended through the PAC parking lot to Dietz Drive, with speed bumps added to promote safe travel through campus. The performing arts center will be located on the current site of the district’s fuel station, which will be relocated to the Education Center property connected to the high school campus.
“Through our community engagement process, we heard clearly from students, staff, families, and community members that enhancing our performing arts and athletic spaces was a priority,” said Board President Monika Talley. “This groundbreaking marks an important step forward, not just for our students, but for our entire community. The performing arts center will serve as a place where people come together, connect, and celebrate.”
The $29 million project includes:
- A 700+ seat Performing Arts Center with black box classroom, storage, fly space, and orchestra pit at Canal Winchester High School
- A field house at Mike Locke Stadium with indoor turf, locker rooms, offices, training facilities, and a meeting room with a patio overlooking Weiser Field
- Renovation of the existing field house, including locker rooms
- A new baseball and softball complex featuring a turf baseball field, two turf softball fields, dugouts, batting cages, and a press box with restrooms
- Additional bleachers at Mike Locke Stadium
- Expanded parking at the high school site
- Improved campus traffic with an extended and straightened access road
- Relocation of the district fuel station to the Education Center property
The groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, in the north parking lot behind Canal Winchester High School.
Architect's rendering of the new baseball and softball complex with a turf baseball field, two turf softball fields, dugouts, batting cages, and a press box with restrooms.
Architect's rendering of the field house at Mike Locke Stadium with indoor turf, locker rooms, offices, training facilities, and a meeting room overlooking Weiser Field.
An architect's rendering of the 700+ seat Performing Arts Center at Canal Winchester High School, featuring a black box classroom, dedicated storage, fly space, and an orchestra pit.
An architect's rendering of the 700+ seat Performing Arts Center at Canal Winchester High School, featuring a black box classroom, dedicated storage, fly space, and an orchestra pit.
An architect's rendering of the 700+ seat Performing Arts Center at Canal Winchester High School, featuring a black box classroom, dedicated storage, fly space, and an orchestra pit.
Architect's rendering of the new baseball and softball complex with a turf baseball field, two turf softball fields, dugouts, batting cages, and a press box with restrooms.