Snoqualmie Elementary has begun construction on its new $4.75 million gymnasium. The project, to add a gymnasium to the building directly behind the existing room used for P.E. classes, lunches, and assemblies, is expected to go on for most of the school year.

“The gymnasium will start in earnest in December and January,” said Snoqualmie Elementary Principal John Norberg on Friday.

Right now, the site is being leveled to ensure adequate drainage, he added, and the effect of the work on the students and day-to-day school operations so far hasn’t been significant.

“We still have full access to our gymnasium,” he said, but access to the area behind the school will be limited as the work proceeds. Parts of the project will be fenced off, limiting the students’ play area, for safety reasons.

“We’re trying to be proactive,” Norberg explained

The construction work will also have a small effect on parking availability as equipment moves in and out of the site, but Norberg said, “the good news is it doesn’t necessarily impact our pick-up and drop-off area,” since the construction will be behind the school.”

Although he has informed parents that the work could last all year, he said, “I would love to get our current fifth graders in there before the end of the school year. The kids are really excited… this is going to be a huge benefit not only for the school, but also for the entire community to have this gymnasium.”