By: Karsyn Phillips

Bellbrook High School is officially moving into a new era of athletics and student wellness. District officials recently confirmed plans for a state-of-the-art weight room facility designed to accommodate a growing number of student-athletes and physical education classes.

The new idea, which carries an estimated weight of $1.25 million, marks a significant upgrade for the Eagles. Unlike many traditional school renovations, this facility is being built without the use of taxpayer funds, relying instead on a campaign of private donations and community support.

The school board approved breaking ground once $900k was raised. As of January 2026, about $800k is committed. Some of the large donors include the Spitler family, the Borszcz family, Bellbrook Athletic Boosters, and the Bellbrook Lions club.

The new 8,000-square-foot building will be located in the grassy area south of the high school’s engineering rooms. The structure is designed to be a wood-framed building wrapped in brick to match the existing campus aesthetic.

According to Bellbrook Athletic Director Charlie O’Dell, the need for a new space was driven by a roadblock in the availability to work on fitness. While weight training was once reserved for football and wrestling, nearly all of Bellbrook’s 500+ student-athletes—from cross country runners to swimmers—now incorporate strength training into their regimens.

“I think everyone understands the value of strength training for their own personal fitness,” O’Dell stated in a recent school newsletter. “Right now, having every kid lift is just impossible, and this will remove another huge barrier.”

The current facility has become a “bottleneck,” often overcrowded and unable to accommodate the middle school programs. “It is hard to fit us all in the room we have now,” sophomore Trey MacNeill said. “We could definitely use a bigger and better weight room to use.”

Social media posts from the district and the Fall 2025 Eagle Eggs newsletter have highlighted the fundraising aspect of this project. The Bellbrook Athletic Boosters and private donors have publicised the fundraising, utilizing QR codes and community events to reach their goal.