May 18, 2009

Nelson Architectural Engineers, a Plano-based firm, has verbally reported to Granbury ISD that stadium light poles at several district athletic facilities are all structurally safe.  The firm also approved the reopening of Pirate Stadium.

The status was provided during a site inspection conducted on May 15, 2009.  The review included the following facilities:

• Granbury High School – Pirate Stadium, Softball Field, Tidwell Field, tennis courts
• Acton Middle School – stadium
• Granbury Middle School – stadium 

The district expects to receive a written report in approximately three weeks.

The analysis was initiated after several recent incidents throughout the state and country in which light poles have cracked or collapsed.  Analyses have indicated that the poles in other districts may not have been designed correctly to support heavy stadium lights.  The pole collapses have led to an investigation by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  In addition, the Texas Education Agency has urged school districts to proceed with inspections.