Progress Update: Stormwater System Installation, Concrete Work, and Site Work continue at Fruitland Elementary

Over the past few weeks, Fruitland Elementary has seen major progress as crews push forward on sitework for the school’s traffic improvement project. The most noticeable new addition is a series of large yellow underground tubes installed beneath the future parking lot. These chambers are part of a modern stormwater management system designed to capture and store rainwater during major storms. Instead of overwhelming the municipal stormwater system all at once, the stored water will be slowly released over time. This approach helps prevent flooding, reduces erosion, and allows sediment and pollutants to settle before entering the waterways, improving water quality and benefiting the local environment. 

 

GeoEngineers are also on site using a moisture density gauge to test the compacted soil beneath the future parking and bus areas. This handheld device works by sending a small, safe amount of radiation into the soil, allowing engineers to measure both how tightly the soil is packed and how much moisture it holds. These readings are compared to the project’s design specifications to confirm the soil is strong enough to support the weight of heavy pavement, buses, and cars without shifting or settling over time. Getting this step right is critical, if the soil is too loose or holds too much water, it could lead to uneven pavement, potholes, or drainage problems down the road. By ensuring the ground meets exact standards now, crews are creating a foundation that will remain safe, stable, and reliable throughout the life of the new parking and traffic areas. 

 

Concrete work has now begun as well. On the north side of the building, crews are pouring new sidewalks and installing curbing, the first visible steps in shaping the improved traffic flow. Seeing excavation crews, concrete teams, and engineers all working in sync is a clear reminder of the shared mission: making Fruitland Elementary safer and more accessible for students, staff, and families. 

“As both a past Fruitland parent and the district’s Executive Director of Construction, Maintenance and Facilities Planning, I see the importance and impact of every project firsthand,” said Brady Martin. “We work and live here, and we understand how much these improvements matter for our students, families, and neighbors. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this important work.” 

The project, funded by the 2024 Capital Levy, remains on track for completion this year. It is a true team effort, from excavation crews to concrete finishers to engineers, all working together toward one goal: creating a safer, more efficient campus for kids. The work is anything but light, requiring heavy lifting, precision, and persistence, but every task moves us closer to easing congestion along Fruitland Avenue, enhancing student safety, and protecting the environment. 

Learn more about all our 2024 Capital Levy projects on our website at http://www.puyallupsd.org/levy