Dodge City, KS – Recently, Dodge City Public Schools officially cut the ribbon to our brand-new 

Bowling Alley and Expanded Weight Room facility! This project has been a labor of love, and seeing it come to life for our students is an incredible feeling.

Late last week, our bowling team got a "sneak peek" practice session on the new lanes. The excitement was palpable, and we can’t wait to share their first impressions with you soon. This facility represents more than just new walls and equipment; it represents our commitment to the long-term health, discipline, and success of every USD 443 student.

The New Bowling Center

This is a unique opportunity for our students and student-athletes. For the past five years, our bowlers have faced the challenge of not having a local facility to practice or compete. Unlike other sports where athletes can train outdoors or at a park on their own, the lack of a bowling alley within 50 miles made consistent skill development nearly impossible.

This facility provides a much-needed space for growth and competition, offering an outlet for students who might not participate in traditional field sports. To ensure a smooth transition, access will be limited to USD 443 students for the first year. This allows us to establish clear safety guidelines and a structured schedule—ensuring that a USD 443-trained staff member is always present to manage the space effectively.

The Weight Room Expansion

Safety was the primary factor in the decision to expand our weight room. Currently, the facility serves 350–400 students daily from zero hour through 5th block. This volume was stretching our previous space beyond its design limits, increasing risks and limiting supervision.

The expanded facility offers:

• Enhanced Safety: Improved spacing between equipment and better traffic flow.

• Program Growth: More room for our Strength and Conditioning classes, which are open to the entire student body.

• Athletic Develpoment: The former weight room will now be converted into a dedicated wrestling room for our growing Girls Wrestling program.

Community of Support

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Dierksen, who initiated this project, and to Mr. Scheck for his dedication in seeing it through to completion. 

Our community takes great pride in the quality of our facilities, and this addition is another example of that commitment.

 We will be hosting a Community Open House in August to thank you for your unwavering support for our students and their future. We can’t wait to show you what your support has built!