Sports Complex Gets New Look, Science Building Phase Three Approved

Work starts in August on the Mel Nicks baseball and softball complex along Lost Dauphin Road, and a wing of the former Minahan Science Hall will be remodeled as part of the overall Gehl-Mulva Science Center project. The board of trustees approved both projects at their last meeting.

Home games on campus
A $2 million renovation project at the Mel Nicks complex includes rebuilding the two diamonds and other facility upgrades. Tim Bald, the college’s athletic director, says many home games have been canceled in the past because the fields were too wet.

“The project is much needed. Last year, we won the right to host a softball championship game, but couldn’t have it because the field was too wet and we had to move it to Lawrence University,” he says.

Bald explains that the field’s location, which is at a lower elevation, along with the often wet spring weather, combine to make it a challenge to keep the area dry. The new project includes the installation of a synthetic infield and better drainage in the outfield.

“We should be able to play unless there’s a downpour in the middle of the game,” he says. “Right now, if it rains in the morning we don’t know if we’ll be able to play that afternoon.”

In addition to the field upgrades, a concession stand and new restrooms will be installed below the press boxes. The dugouts will also be improved.

“We hope to have the project wrapped up so we can play our games here next year,” Bald says. “Everyone – especially the players – is excited about the changes and looking forward to playing our home games right here on campus rather than Joannes Stadium in Green Bay.”

Science space for today’s needs
A wing at the Minahan Science Hall that currently features a 1970s design, including three deep “pit” classrooms, will be upgraded. A $4.5 million project will convert that space into six classrooms, 10 offices for faculty members and a computer lab.

“The three lecture halls are just a huge space and larger than anything we would use. By making these changes, the space will be much more usable,” says Larry Scheich (Natural Sciences).

Renovations will start this summer and should be wrapped up within the next year. 

“We’re really excited about this. The classrooms will have all new furniture and technology,” Scheich says. The space will be used for both the natural and social sciences departments, he adds.

The renovation is part of the overall construction occurring on campus to expand the college’s science offerings. The new state-of-the-art Gehl-Mulva Science Center will house the campus’ science programs as well as the new Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus. Construction of the entire building is scheduled to be finished next summer.

“The two projects work well together and enhance our science offerings,” Scheich says.


July 1, 2014