HARRISON — The new, state-of-the art William Henry Harrison High School Activity Center includes a gymnasium with 18,000 square feet of wood floor, believed to be the largest high school gym in the Tristate.

        The gymnasium, which seats 2,400, is double the seating capacity of the old gym.

The new Activity Center at Harrison High School includes a gym that may be the Tristate's largest. The gym's bleachers seat 2,400; retracted they make room for a second full-size court. (Thomas E. Witte photo) | ZOOM |

        “It enables us to bring graduation back to our town here,” said Principal Ted Ziegler. “We've been going to Miami (University). This is home for us.”

        Graduation is June 6.

        The public will get its first look at the $11.5 million center at 9999 West Road at a grand opening from 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday.

        “I have not seen any facility like this,” said Mike Schweinfest, business director of Southwest Local Schools.

        The building also features a 770-seat performing arts theater, double the capacity of the old auditorium.

        The school was built around 1968 for a student population of 700. Enrollment today is 1,250.

        The center is located across from the high school but is linked with a 110-foot bridge over the road. Land for the center was donated by Martin Marietta Aggregates Corp.

        Designers organized the facility around a two-story lobby, allowing access to the performing arts theater and sports arena. An open atrium with a grand stairwell visually connects the upper-level bridge/mezzanine to the stage/gymnasium court below.

        A community room is located on the bottom level. A concession area with bistro seating includes two television monitors for viewing the live sporting event in the gymnasium.

        The performing arts auditorium features a curved acoustical balcony, orchestra pit with cover, green room and dressing rooms.

        The new gymnasium includes an indoor running track and four scoreboards. It's been designed for a variety of sports.

        The center won recognition for design excellence by the American School & University Architectural Portfolio 2001.

        The project is the culmination of a $20 million bond issue passed in 1998 for the new activities center, classroom additions and building improvements throughout the district of 4,100 students in western Hamilton County.

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