Springfield Public Schools | Eugene Field Elementary Tornado Safe Room & Gymnasium Addition

Thanks to cost savings from other 2020 bond projects, Springfield Public Schools was able to move forward with a much-needed addition to Field Elementary that was not originally included in the April 2020 bond package. The resulting 10,563-square-foot facility significantly enhances the school’s daily programming while providing critical safety infrastructure for both students and the surrounding community.

Designed by Paragon Architecture, the ICC 500-rated tornado safe room now serves as a dedicated gymnasium, complete with a performance stage and music classroom. The space accommodates 921 occupants — large enough to shelter the entire school population and nearby community members during severe weather events.

Before this new addition, students at Field Elementary relied on a shared cafeteria-gymnasium space, with physical education classes scheduled around lunch periods. The purpose-built facility now allows for uninterrupted PE, dedicated music instruction, and a venue for assemblies and performances — freeing up time and space across campus. A unique, L-shaped interior corridor connects the addition to the main building. This gently ramped path resolves the site’s grade change and was transformed into a design feature: colorfully trimmed windows of varying sizes frame views of the outdoors, adding a sense of play and discovery for students as they travel to and from the space.

This multi-functional addition strengthens Field Elementary’s learning environment and safety preparedness, while demonstrating the district’s commitment to making every investment count — academically, artistically, and for the broader community.