WOODBURY — With the arrival of a new school year, there’s a new sight to see as a new horse barn, which is hard to miss as visitors pull in, is being constructed at Nonnewaug.

Though, along with September came an unexpected heat wave, and frequent heavy storms. These storms temporarily slowed the fast-paced construction progress on the new barn, which stands on muddy land without a foundation. Yet, it hasn’t completely stalled progress.

“It has certainly delayed progress because the construction crew cannot work in rain and thunderstorms,” said agriscience teacher and SAE coordinator Jennifer Jedd. “I think they have been doing well avoiding mud, but I am sure that is a problem with some of the larger equipment they are using.” 

Despite the weather becoming a prevalent force against the construction, Region 14 Director of Facilities Mike Molzon, who serves as one of the many overseers on the project, still believes that the project will be completed by its expected date. 

“The timeline of completion by late November is still realistic, so far. Hot days are tough but work still gets done,” said Molzon.

This determination is clear as the construction workers operate through the hot weeks, to complete the project which many students as well as staff in the agriscience department are excited about, Jedd especially.

“We are excited to be able to use the barn to house the equine program so they are able to do more hands on work in the winter safely and warmly, and not be inhibited by weather and ice,” she stated. “We are also planning additional equine clinics, and other potential uses for it at this time that would relate to our whole program.”

With October and cooler weather on the way, the project is expected to continue until its completion date. Though, with the barn only in its framework stage, one is left impressed that despite challenging conditions, the project goes on.