Parents and community members at College Park High School are rallying after the Mt. Diablo Unified School District ordered the removal of a press box that had been erected by volunteers over several years.
The structure, assembled piece by piece during spring breaks since 2010, was funded through a combination of grassroots donations and a $100,000 allocation approved in the district’s 2022 master plan, though construction had never been completed.
District's Decision Sparks Controversy
Superintendent Adam Clark explained that the removal was prompted by safety concerns and the lack of required DSA approval, noting that the unauthorized build was only discovered on August 4.
District officials emphasized that adherence to building regulations is non‑negotiable, even as families point out that the press box had been part of long‑standing plans and budgeted funds.
Parents such as Carolyn Babcock and Virginia Rodriguez voiced disappointment, arguing that the loss undermines student pride and the sense of ownership that the press box provided on game days.
Paul Leung, whose son plays football, added that the removal left the team without a familiar backdrop for announcements, further dampening morale among the student athletes.
The district, meanwhile, is channeling $8 million into broader facility upgrades, including new softball fields and modernized locker rooms, signaling a push to improve athletic infrastructure across the campus.
While the controversy continues, supporters hope the setback will prompt a dialogue about balancing regulatory compliance with community‑driven projects that enhance the high school experience.