Students, school system and local officials broke ground today on a new $1.5 million gym and multi-purpose building at Indian Springs Elementary in Prichard.

“This is a long time coming, for the the children here and the community,” said school board member Dr. Reginald Crenshaw, whose District 3 includes Indian Springs. “I’ve been visiting this school for seven years, and they always have asked for a multi-purpose room.

“We’re very happy for them. We know they’re going to take good care of it, and it’s going to be a plus for the community.”

The nearly 10,000-square-foot facility will include a full-size basketball court and volleyball court, a concession area, restrooms, a stage and storage areas. Construction should take about 10 months.

“We’re so excited and elated and just bursting with joy,” said Principal Teffine Petro.

Besides Crenshaw and Petro, those helping to break ground on the new facility included: Superintendent Martha Peek, Superintendent-Elect Chresal Threadgill, board member  Don Stringfellow, Prichard Mayor Jimmie Gardner and Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood.

“We’re going to be able to host more events, and we will have more opportunities to bring in other types of activities, not just physical education,” Petro added. “I will have the space to introduce instructional activities to the faculty and staff. We will have more opportunities for collaboration time in a larger space, and we will have space for our parents to come out and visit with us.”

Third-grader Ashlyn Withers said she’s looking forward to playing basketball in the gym with her friends.

“I’m very excited,” she said. “I’m glad we’re getting a gym because then we can have fun, not just outside at P.E., but inside.”