By DOUG DONNELLY

OTTAWA LAKE – The new Whiteford Gymnasium is open for business.

With fall sports practices just week away, the gym, constructed on the southwest side of the building, had its first customer last week when the Whiteford varsity volleyball coach Janie Bunge hosted a three-day camp.

“We had three age groups, ranging from 3 years old to ninth grade,” Bunge said. “We had more than 200 total campers in all.”

Bunge had the campers go through drills and learn volleyball techniques in the spacious new gym, which has enough room for two regulation-size basketball courts plus multiple locker rooms.

Whiteford Athletic Director Jeremy Simmons said the gym is about 95 percent finished.

“There are little things left, like putting the Hall of Fame plaques and new banners,” he said. “Aug. 10 is the first varsity (volleyball) scrimmage.”

A grand opening is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 15. Construction of the new gym is part of a $25 million bond issue approved by voters in 2019.