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Cooley Athletic Complex
Capital Project Update
Overview
Preserving Cooley's Legacy
Cooley's history will remain part of the site.
The District is preserving select architectural features where feasible, exploring historical recognition and storytelling opportunities, and salvaging commemorative face bricks for alumni and community members. These efforts honor the generations of students, educators, staff, families, and neighbors who shaped Cooley's story.
Three phase vison
Preserving history. Improving the site. Creating new opportunities.
The long-term approach is designed to improve neighborhood conditions and expand opportunities for students and the surrounding community.
- Phase 1 - Site preparation, restoration, and initial fields and courts
- Phase 2 - A new track-and-field destination supporting Cody athletics
- Phase 3 - Two concepts for expanding future athletic opportunities
Phase 1 - Site preparation, restoration, and initial fields and courts
Phase 1: 2024 – September 2026
Funding
$15 million State of Michigan appropriation
What's included
- Planning and architectural salvage
- Environmental investigation and abatement
- Demolition and site restoration
- Landscaping
- Initial fields and courts
Next step
Salvage and abatement continue through July, followed by demolition in August and site improvements in September. Work must be completed by September 30, 2026, to meet the state funding deadline.
Phase 2 - A new track-and-field destination supporting Cody athletics
Phase 2: Anticipated Fall 2028
Funding
Additional $15 million approved from the School Board
See legend bullet A
What’s included
- Multisport turf field and eight-lane track
- Space for field events supporting Cody High School athletics
- Additional parking and a concession stand
- Installation of salvaged elements from the former Cooley building
Options being considered
The primary difference between Concept A and Concept B is the placement of the salvaged Cooley architectural elements—either positioning the bell towers along the site corners or incorporating them into a dedicated "Cooley Plaza" with a grand entryway and visitor bleachers.
Next step
Design engagement sessions are anticipated to begin in Fall 2027.
Cooley Site Phase 2 Concept A – Fall 2028
Legend
- A: Salvaged Cooley bell tower and landscape feature
- B: New street trees along Hubbell frontage
- C: Synthetic turf football field w/ field lighting
- D: Rubberized 8 lane track
- E: Visitor bleachers
- F: Home bleachers with pressbox
- G: Field house with concessions, locker rooms, restrooms, and ticket office
- H: Discus / shotput field
- I: Asphalt parking
- J: Long jump
- K: Athletic field fencing
Cooley Site Phase 2 Concept B – Fall 2028
Same legend as Cooley Site Phase 2 Concept A Fall 2028 with following changes
- A: "Cooley Plaza" salvaged bell towers and entryway incorporated into visitor bleachers. Hubbell facing plaza with reclaimed brick and enhanced landscape elements
Phase 3 - Two concepts for expanding future athletic opportunities
Phase 3: Long-Term Vision
Funding status
Dependent on additional funding
Options being considered
- Develop an indoor sports complex
- Convert the natural turf fields installed during Phase 1 into synthetic turf fields
Potential impact
Either option would further expand athletic opportunities while continuing to serve students, families, and the surrounding neighborhood.
Next step
Design engagement sessions would occur if additional funding is secured.
Cooley Site Phase 3 Concept A *Funding Dependent
Phase 3 Concept A - proposed indoor sports complex
Cooley Site Phase 3 Concept B *Funding Dependent
Phase 3 Concept B - proposed synthetic turf conversion
Since 2022
Community engagement has guided the work
$ 30 Million
Committed across Phases 1 and 2
Fall distribution
Limited commemorative brick inventory
Request a brick
Commemorative Brick Distribution
Request a tangible piece of Cooley history
A limited number of salvaged face bricks will be distributed this fall to people with a meaningful connection to Cooley. Requests are processed in the order received while supplies last.
How it works
A fair, safe, and organized process
Important requirements
Before you submit
- Limit one commemorative brick per eligible registrant
- Submitting the form does not guarantee a brick
- Each brick will undergo professional environmental cleaning
- Bricks must be picked up in person and will not be shipped
- Bricks vary in size, color, texture, appearance, and condition
- Individual bricks cannot be selected or exchanged
Frequently asked questions
What to Know Before Requesting a Brick
- What information will the request form ask for?
- Can someone else pick up my brick?
- What if all bricks have already been reserved?
- Can I select or exchange a brick?
What information will the request form ask for?
Can someone else pick up my brick?
What if all bricks have already been reserved?
Can I select or exchange a brick?
Ready to Submit?
Submission does not guarantee receipt of a brick. Confirmed recipients will receive pickup instructions after the bricks are approved for distribution.