ABOVE: Revamped playground equipment on the east side of Fairmont Elementary School is one of many projects the building and maintenance crews in the Fairmont Area School District have been working on over the summer.

FAIRMONT — Since the winter season of the previous year, Building and Grounds Director Tyler Garrison and his staff have been diligently working to bring Fairmont Area Schools’ buildings and features into full, satisfactory condition. Garrison says he works closely with superintendent Andy Traetow to quickly identify community desires and areas of focus to make sure the Fairmont Area School District is thriving and operating smoothly.

“Multiple projects happened this year, some being substantial and some being smaller,” Garrison said.

Garrison said that the biggest project completed is the concession stand that was placed in the Fairmont High School’s baseball and softball diamond. He said that many players voiced their wishes for a concession stand, as they haven’t had one before. The maintenance workers started working on the concession stand last winter and completed it the day the softball season began this spring.

Additionally, the main gym located in the Fairmont High School has been subject to a significant upgrade before the school year begins in September. According to Garrison, the rafters and ductwork are being thoroughly cleaned from dust and grime in preparation for painting. This week, lines will be painted. Many repairs were required to be completed before contractors arrived.

“The new colors and finish will make the space look completely different and brighter,” Garrison said. “I am anxiously waiting for [workers] to be done with the gym, as the custodial staff will have to clean it up yet [in time for the school year to begin.]”

Those driving past the east side of the Fairmont Elementary School playground would have noticed a new playground structure. It’s actually been repurposed as it was first used at the former Budd School. The older playground equipment was noticeably deteriorating, according to Garrison. The transition was made and finalized this summer and is now open for public use.

Garrison and his crew have remained busy with smaller, miscellaneous projects across the district’s building, including plumbing concerns, especially as buildings age. These updates include multiple water valve replacements, three circulating heating pumps, an elementary water storage tank, repair of drain lines and several more. The workers are planning to replace a total of 900 feet of chain-link fence across the Fairmont Athletic Field.

Many projects are funded by long term facilities maintenance dollars for school features that require repair, while smaller projects are funded by the district, according to Garrison.

Later in the year, the maintenance group will be focusing on upgrading the lighting for the Performing Arts Center, high school elevator troubleshooting and cement repairs. Garrison is keeping watch for dead trees but said that his team has planted more trees at the schools than the team has cut down.

“Along with the large gym getting painted this summer, my staff has also tried to attack what they can for painting in the buildings, including classrooms and open areas,” Garrison said.

Garrison expressed his gratitude to his team of workers at the maintenance building (south of the Aquatic Park) as well as the custodians at the Fairmont Area Schools. During the student’s and teacher’s summer break, buildings are thoroughly cleaned, furniture is removed and floors are re-waxed.

“Once school hits the first day, our schools look brand new with the pride our custodial/maintenance group takes in our buildings all summer,” he said. “They work their tails off, and I am always so proud of all their hard work.”