NAPOLEON, Mich. — Napoleon Community Schools held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 18 to mark the opening of its new gym and fitness facility, known as the Pirate Plex. The event ran from 5–7 p.m. on the Napoleon High School campus.
The Pirate Plex marked the completion of Phase 1 of the district’s 2023 bond program, a voter-approved renewal that funded $17.4 million in improvements across the district from January 2024 through December 2026. Phase 1, totaling $9.2 million, included high school renovation work such as the auxiliary gym addition, community fitness center, and new bleachers and gym equipment.
The ceremony featured student demonstrations, displays, tours of the new space, and light refreshments.
Phase 2 of the bond program—valued at $8.2 million—covered a series of renovations at Ezra Eby Elementary School, Napoleon Middle School, and the high school. Planned projects included a new cafeteria and multipurpose room at Ezra Eby, playground and roofing work, HVAC and electrical upgrades across multiple buildings, improvements to the high school’s concessions building, and replacement of the running track, along with driveway and parking lot upgrades.
Key partners on the project included architect and engineer of record Wightman, construction manager R.W. Mercer, and Plante Moran Realpoint as bond consultant and owner representative.
According to the district, the Pirate Plex was designed to support student athletics, physical education, performing arts, and community events. The facility is located behind the existing high school gym.