Cracks in CGS Gym wall cause gym closure until further notice

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Cracks in the Chester Grade School Gym wall have caused District # 139 Board of Education and Administration to close the CGS Gym until further notice. After a special meeting of the Board July 2nd the decision was made as a precautionary measure. Chris Whiting, Structural Engineer and Christopher Farmer, Geotechnical Engineer spoke at the meeting and gave recommendations that the precautionary action be implemented. The shifting and cracking in the wall has been monitored since 2009 with no major movement noted prior to 2011.

In May of 2012 the area surrounding the gym received 42 inches of rain which most likely caused "Severe cracking and shifting" according to Whiting and Farmer. Detailed plans have been implemented to thoroughly investigate and determine the overall severity of the situation. Until final results and recommendations are available it was decided as a precautionary measure to not allow the gym to be occupied by students or staff. If it is determined that the shifting can be stopped and the wall can be repaired, the cracks in the wall will be fixed or possibly the wall can be replaced. Principal Tim Lochhead has already implemented a plan to start the school year with alternative classrooms available for those areas that are involved.

The District architects have stated that there is no imminent danger of a gym collapse, but that occupancy should not take place until all information is made available regarding the course that will be taken to rectify the cracking and shifting of the wall. Pictured right is one of the most visible cracks along the wall leading down the stairs into the girl's locker room.