Pace athletes have been excited about the anticipated gym renovations since the school was granted money from City Councilman, Christopher Marte, in June 2024. The $825k from the City Council aims to modernize the old facility with new and improved components.

Principal Glatz gave insight into what students can expect from these renovations. “What we wanna see is just an overall improved environment,” Mr. Glatz said.

Pace athletes are looking forward to wood floors, water fountains, new bleachers, anchors for volleyball nets and more.

The School Construction Authority is planning to start renovations in the gym this coming summer. They want to work on it without causing disruptions to school gym classes or athletic teams.

A team will be assigned to Pace to look at the building and the gym to see what and how they can complete the task. The gym is a shared space, so administration from Pace has to collaborate with Emma Lazarus and M.S. 131 to see what the students and athletic directors want to see in the gym.

In the past, the gym has been one of the biggest problems for sports teams. Basketball athlete Madjou Bah said, “When you’re dribbling, the ball kinda just dies out no matter how much air is in it.”

One of the most significant changes will be the replacement of the worn out foam floor. It’s planned to be replaced with a wooden floor to improve safety and performance.

“Future athletes here are going to probably practice better, have less injuries and just overall play better with a new floor,” said senior Destiny Dickerson.

This project has sparked enthusiasm throughout the school. Many student athletes are more than excited hearing about this.

“I think students seeing gym improvements might encourage them to want to join teams and do better in school,” Mr. Lee said.

Giving students the space they deserve to succeed and try harder will make them want to improve not only in sports but in their grades. The opportunity to renovate our gym will benefit students, teachers and school spirit.