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Posted November 28, 2022
Wade House State Historical Site in Greenbush has a new outdoor riding arena, thanks in part to Plymouth High School students.
Members of the PHS Building Construction class taught by Beau Biller worked with local contractor Buteyn-Peterson Construction Co. to replace the arena. The project involved construction of more than 1,000 feet of wooden fence, 140 fence posts, and 9 gates.
The collaboration came about after a student’s father contacted Mr. Biller last school year to see if he would be interested in working on a project at the Wade House. Mr. Biller met with the lead engineer from Buteyn-Peterson, and they began planning for the project and developing procedures for students to follow on site.
During the spring and summer, Buteyn built a new access road, tore out the old riding arena, and re-graded for a new arena. PHS students began working on the project Sept. 5, initially setting posts and installing rails, and then building and installing gates and cutting posts to finish height. They worked on site for a three-hour block every other day, finishing Nov. 18.
“My goal for this project was for students to get a taste of what it is like to work on a construction site and experience the gratification of completing a large project as a team,” Mr. Biller said. “I know that the students enjoyed the experience and learned a lot along the way. I hope that the class can look back at this project and be proud of their hard work and service to the community.”
Buteyn-Peterson also enjoyed the collaboration. “We were very impressed with the professional instruction provided by Mr. Biller and the work ethic and conduct of the students,” company officials wrote to PHS Principal Joe Brandl. “The students worked hard and the finished product clearly showed they wanted it to be a quality product.”
Mr. Biller hopes for more to come from this partnership, including having students involved in the construction of a small barn near the riding arena for hay storage in the spring.
Learn more:
• Explore the Community Engagement section of our interactive, award-winning District Report Card to learn more about how our students are active in the community.
