The Spring Lake community gathered on a picture-perfect evening on Wednesday, September 10, to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting of the new Laker Athletic Center (LAC). This state-of-the-art facility will serve students, athletes, and community members for years to come. The energy was electric as families, alumni, and neighbors came together to see firsthand the results of their shared investment in Spring Lake's future.

The LAC is one of just three facilities of its kind in West Michigan, designed to support a wide range of activities. Student-athletes across all outdoor sports, as well as wrestling and cheerleading, now have access to an indoor practice space that can also host sprint training and pole vaulting. The building features a weight room with 12 lifting cages, fully equipped with a video monitoring system that helps students track progress and maximize performance. Early reports from coaches and athletes are already praising the training opportunities this new technology makes possible.

The facility is not just for athletics. The Spring Lake High School Band is scheduled to rehearse in the LAC during marching season—especially valuable during rainy weather. Their first test of the acoustics in the space brought glowing reviews from directors Mark Grevengoed and Mike Truszkowski.

Before the ribbon was cut by three Spring Lake students, guests explored booths hosted by a variety of school organizations, including the Spring Lake Schools Foundation, elementary parent groups, and the Drama Club, which promoted its upcoming fall play in mid-October. Visitors were welcomed with Laker swag, including mini footballs to try out on the new turf.

The evening also had a celebratory, festival-like feel. Sweet Temptations provided ice cream, and families gathered at picnic tables to enjoy a treat while talking about what they were experiencing. The drumline gave a performance immediately after the ribbon was cut. Students ran across the turf, parents connected with friends, and even community members without direct ties to the school joined in the excitement—underscoring just how much pride the entire community takes in its children.

The Laker Athletic Center is more than a building; it is a statement of commitment to student growth, well-being, and excellence. The ribbon cutting was a fitting celebration of that commitment—an evening filled with kindness, conversation, and unmistakable Laker pride!