EDITORIAL: Demolished buildings stir memories

Posted 9/28/10

This week, the old Powell High School auditorium/natatorium came tumbling down. All that remains of the structure, built in 1956, are massive heaps of concrete, bricks and metal — an all too familiar sight in the community as of late.

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EDITORIAL: Demolished buildings stir memories

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This week, the old Powell High School auditorium/natatorium came tumbling down. All that remains of the structure, built in 1956, are massive heaps of concrete, bricks and metal — an all too familiar sight in the community as of late.The auditorium/natatorium was third in a succession of demolition projects over the past six months, joining the demolished old Powell High School gymnasium and Westside Elementary. At those sites, only dirt remains.Eventually, the old Powell High School also will share a similar fate, though it won't be demolished until a cafeteria is constructed for Powell Middle School. The old high school cafeteria is still in use and likely will be until a new middle school cafeteria opens.Planning for a new middle school is under way, and construction of a new Westside Elementary recently began.Though new buildings replace the old, memories of the old structures aren't easily forgotten.Each building carried meaning. The elementary school where children began their education and learned early life lessons. The pool where, for 50 years, residents learned how to swim and experienced triumphs and disappointments in competitive swimming. The auditorium where hundreds of nervous and bright-eyed kids gathered each year for time-honored Christmas programs. The old gymnasium that hosted many memorable proms, emotional graduation ceremonies and countless athletic competitions for more than 60 years.Throughout the past 10 years, Park County School District No. 1 board members deliberated over difficult decisions to demolish and replace these buildings. Often, decisions and funding at the state level dictated how the local board proceeded.We know the demolition of landmark buildings is difficult for Powell residents. The torn-down structures leave a void in the community, especially for those who grew up as students in the buildings.Yet in their absence stand new structures, and many local youth are grateful for the new Powell High School, new Southside Elementary and new Powell Aquatic Center. Young students who use those facilities can attest to the fact that new memories are being made, and for the next generation, these will be the buildings that carry meaning.Still, the changes remain difficult — and for many Powell residents, driving by the sites where old landmarks once stood always will stir memories.

This week, the old Powell High School auditorium/natatorium came tumbling down. All that remains of the structure, built in 1956, are massive heaps of concrete, bricks and metal — an all too familiar sight in the community as of late.

The auditorium/natatorium was third in a succession of demolition projects over the past six months, joining the demolished old Powell High School gymnasium and Westside Elementary. At those sites, only dirt remains.

Eventually, the old Powell High School also will share a similar fate, though it won't be demolished until a cafeteria is constructed for Powell Middle School. The old high school cafeteria is still in use and likely will be until a new middle school cafeteria opens.

Planning for a new middle school is under way, and construction of a new Westside Elementary recently began.

Though new buildings replace the old, memories of the old structures aren't easily forgotten.

Each building carried meaning. The elementary school where children began their education and learned early life lessons.

The pool where, for 50 years, residents learned how to swim and experienced triumphs and disappointments in competitive swimming. The auditorium where hundreds of nervous and bright-eyed kids gathered each year for time-honored Christmas programs. The old gymnasium that hosted many memorable proms, emotional graduation ceremonies and countless athletic competitions for more than 60 years.

Throughout the past 10 years, Park County School District No. 1 board members deliberated over difficult decisions to demolish and replace these buildings. Often, decisions and funding at the state level dictated how the local board proceeded.

We know the demolition of landmark buildings is difficult for Powell residents. The torn-down structures leave a void in the community, especially for those who grew up as students in the buildings.

Yet in their absence stand new structures, and many local youth are grateful for the new Powell High School, new Southside Elementary and new Powell Aquatic Center. Young students who use those facilities can attest to the fact that new memories are being made, and for the next generation, these will be the buildings that carry meaning.

Still, the changes remain difficult — and for many Powell residents, driving by the sites where old landmarks once stood always will stir memories.

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