Goodrich has a construction zone on campus. Near the track, a fenced area is beginning to clear for the addition of a much-needed facility.
There are plans for the athletic department to receive a 5,000-square foot fieldhouse that will sit in the southwest corner of the track.
The public will enjoy concession stands built into the structure, and there are two restrooms nearby. Inside, the boys and girls will have a locker room, restrooms and storage areas. There are offices for the coaches and a large weight room.
The facility is an investment in student-athletes at $2.4 million. That includes a new eight-lane track. Both the fieldhouse and track are expected to be complete by June of 2027.
“The impetus behind this, or part of it is, is that we never have schools come to Goodrich for events,” Goodrich superintendent Daniel Barton said. “At least now, they rent our gym; we had two schools last year.
“When they built that track originally, as far as the community, they thought they were going to host track meets and it never happened. So that was upsetting to them. Redoing all of this, that's a big part of the concept. We're going to be putting on our own track meets.”
Barton said lighting for the track, as well as resurfacing the tennis courts will occur at a later date.
The student population at Goodrich ISD has increased over the past few years, and it will be no different when school begins in a few days. The district has already accepted more than 60 transfer students for the 2026-27 academic year. Barton said investing in extracurricular activities is essential for building a well-rounded student.
“It's important for our kids,” he said. “We want our kids to have access to the best of everything. Fortunately, we're in a situation to where we can make sure that they have a great experience. Also, being able to bring the community in, like for a track meet, it's just another opportunity to get community involvement as well.”
