GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Grand Junction High School (GJHS) marked a significant milestone in campus development this week with the grand opening of its new Tiger Community Gymnasium, a versatile athletic space set to serve both students and the wider public.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on April 10, drawing students, staff, local officials, and community members to celebrate a project born from a 2021 bond measure. The gym, constructed using part of the old school building, becomes the third gymnasium on the GJHS campus.

“This is about maximizing what we already had while creating something new and necessary,” said Dr. Brian Hill, Superintendent of Mesa County Valley School District 51.

Built for Capacity and Flexibility

With GJHS enrollment nearing 2,000 students, physical space for athletics, clubs, and physical education has been stretched thin in recent years. The addition of a third gym is expected to alleviate scheduling pressures and improve access for a wide range of student groups.

“Even within the school, it’s hard to utilize gym space efficiently because you have so many student groups and clubs needing access,” said Dr. Hill. “This third gym really helps solve that.”

Key features of the Tiger Community Gym include:

• Full-sized basketball court

• High-capacity bleachers

• Multi-use flooring for volleyball, indoor soccer, and fitness classes

• Locker room facilities

• ADA-accessible entries and amenities

From Bond to Build: A Reuse Success Story

The $115 million bond approved in 2021 funded sweeping upgrades across the district, including the full reconstruction of Grand Junction High School. Rather than demolish the old gym entirely, planners opted to repurpose the space, saving both money and materials.

“We saw an opportunity to reuse part of the original structure, and that decision allowed us to expand gym capacity without exceeding the budget,” said a project manager involved with the build.

District 51 officials praised the project as a model for efficient infrastructure planning, combining sustainability with responsiveness to student needs.

A Space for the Entire District

Although the new gym is located on the GJHS campus, it will also serve other schools across District 51 when extra space is needed for competitions, events, or practices. That level of district-wide flexibility was a key design objective from the beginning.

“We’re a growing district with diverse needs. Having shared spaces like this opens up opportunities across the board—not just at one school,” said Dr. Hill.

District leaders are already coordinating with athletic directors and club organizers at other schools to develop a reservation system for cross-campus access.

Community Use After Hours

Outside of school hours, the Tiger Community Gym will double as a public space for community use, offering recreation opportunities that promote wellness and physical activity among Grand Junction residents.

Dr. Hill emphasized the dual mission of the new gym: “We’re always looking for ways to get kids active and living healthier lifestyles. This gives us a venue for that—not just during the school day but after hours, weekends, and breaks.”

The gym will be available for:

• Youth sports leagues

• Community fitness classes

• Adult recreation programs

• Special events and tournaments

Community members interested in using the space will be able to reserve time slots through the District 51 facilities portal. Pricing and availability will vary depending on time, purpose, and user group.

A Broader Vision for Education and Wellness

The gym’s opening aligns with a broader District 51 initiative to integrate physical health, academic achievement, and community partnerships. With local childhood obesity rates remaining above state averages and youth sports access uneven across income levels, officials believe investments like this can close opportunity gaps.

“This is more than just a gym,” said one school board member. “It’s a symbol of how public schools can serve as a nucleus for community life.”

Construction Stats at a Glance: