A "man-made" lake on the southern part of the New Sulphur Springs Middle School property, is serving as a source of discussion for the SSISD Board.  The lake, created when the district was in need of "fill-dirt" for the new school and utilized the area as a source of saving approximately $100,000.00 in purchases, is now filling due to rainfall and springs on the location. The beautiful, scenic area, at the back of the property was discussed at Monday night's SSISD Board Meeting.

A bid for $27,000.00 to fence the area was discussed and tabled by the board, for further study.

"What we have is a beautiful addition to the landscape of the property," expressed SSISD Board Member, Don Sapaugh, in a telephone interview. "And, we will be utilizing the water resources from the lake for irrigation of the property and the area can be used for field trips for students."

However, the "safety" issue of the lake has become a concern to both board members and school personnel. The lake is approximately 15 to 20 feet deep in places, and there is some concern if the area should be fenced.

"We're just wanting to make certain that it doesn't present a safety issue and want to look at all possibilities for the area," continued Sapaugh. "Our first concern is for the safety of the children and the public, but we want it to be an aesthetic addition to the property and something everyone in the community can be proud of. Therefore, we want to make certain that we make the right decisions, concerning this portion of the property."

As you can see, from the photos of the lake, the area, shaded by large oak trees, and located behind the new tennis courts and athletic fields, is a beautiful addition to the New Middle School Campus.

The new Sulphur Springs Middle School, that will be occupied in the fall, is a beautiful
new addition to Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.

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