Community Unity: Blackburn Recognizes Partnerships with Local Contractors as Athletic Projects Enter Final Phase

Regional Businesses Play Crucial Role in Advancing Campus and County Development

This summer, construction on several highly anticipated athletics-focused projects at Blackburn College will enter the final stretch. The projects are part of Winning Together: A Campaign for Athletics & Enrollment to provide Blackburn students and the community greater access to expanded athletic and recreational facilities. The completion of these projects is a testament to the work of local contractors and vendors who have supported the vision at each step of the journey.

The feature project of Winning Together is the new Blackburn Athletic Center, an $8 million indoor practice facility, which includes a 200-by-120-foot turf field, retractable batting cages, a golf performance center with simulators, team locker rooms, coaches' offices and athletic training space. Once completed, the space will host activities for eight of Blackburn's NCAA Division III programs, promote health and wellness for all students, and foster a strong sense of community with shared spaces for youth camps, activities and training, and rental opportunities. Other impactful projects include a conversion of the tennis courts into a complex including tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, a new competition court in the historic Dawes Gymnasium, and a revitalized Dawes/Woodward patio entrance.

"As a lifelong resident of Carlinville, I am proud to be a part of the success of Blackburn College," said Winning Together Project Manager Norm Gillen. "Our goal has been to utilize as many local contractors and vendors as possible during this process. Opening this facility to the public will benefit Blackburn and the community."

The contractors and vendors who have provided vital services on the project include Evan Lloyd Associates, Inc., Awesome Ink, Carlinville Glass Cutters, Cole Excavating Services, Demuzio Excavating, Double J. Transit, Emmons Tree Service, Griffith Plumbing, Meff's Enterprise, H&H Transit Inc., JP Burns Excavating, KTP Hauling, Nail Land Surveying, Pointer Trucking, Robinson Electric, Joyner Construction, Federal Steel & Erection Co., Steel Pro Structures, Pro Style Construction and Heinz Furniture.

"This is our 170th year of operation, and we have partnered with Blackburn College for generations," said Greg Whitler, owner of Heinz Furniture, which first opened in Carlinville in 1854. "These new facilities represent a major investment in our region's future, promising lasting benefits for residents of all ages. By providing state-of-the-art, accessible spaces for athletics and community activities, we are fostering a healthier, more connected, and vibrant community. This project demonstrates the power of local businesses and organizations working together towards a common goal. It's been an honor to contribute to these transformative efforts."

"We are incredibly proud of the progress made on these important projects, which will have a tremendous impact on our community," said Winning Together Campaign Manager Glen Krupica. "The unwavering support and expertise of our local contractors and vendors, as well as their commitment to Blackburn and this region, has been instrumental in bringing these projects to life."

Krupica continued, "These new facilities will increase enrollment, enhance our quality of life, providing much-needed spaces for recreation, wellness, and community gatherings. While we celebrate this milestone, we must remember that every contribution brings us closer to fully realizing these essential community assets. We deeply appreciate the continued support from our donors and encourage everyone to join us in this exciting journey toward completion."

Construction on the Winning Together projects will continue throughout the summer and is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2024. Visit Winning Together to learn more about the campaign.