ORANGE PARK - Though Orange Park High School Athletic Director Destiny Brightman was installed after the initial destroying then rebuilding of Hoyt B. Cotney Stadium, the project has become her baby of sorts.

“We want to provide a safe, efficient facility for our football team, as well as soccer, track and flag football, to be able to play in a first class environment,” said Brightman. “The track was rubberized a few years ago and now the new home side stadium has been completely redone with other amenities added. We are on target for a fall reopening of the stadium to which Hoyt B. Cotney would be proud.”

According to long time Raider coach of many sports Robert Garcia, who was a field maintenance supervisor, football and track coach, special education teacher among his duties as a Raider, noted that the need for the new stadium was probably a few years coming.

“I think the old stadium, built brick by brick by inmates from the county jail back around 1962, was historic in the players that have come through, but definitely in need of improvement,” said Garcia, who noted that he could remember at least 10 all-time great football players who have graced the fields. “The field was erected in 1962 with Larry Wesley as the first coach and I’ve been a part of Raider football for nearly two decades with names like Demetrius Baker, Terrence Plummer, Pookie and Lamont Floyd as well as a history of Floyd-named players. I could also say my son, Matthew, was a great player.”

Garcia quipped that the history of the stadium included Pepsi Cola bottles dating 1959 that were found in the stadium rubble.

Brightman, who succeeded Michael Harrison as athletic director, noted that the scoreboard was changed prior to the destruction of the old stadium and that the new stadium includes new bathroom facilities (45 stalls from six previously) and a new concession stands plus an amped-up press box.

“The press box is fully air conditioned, Wi-Fi fitted and has cameras installed for live streamed events in the future,” said Brightman. “We haven’t done anything to the visitors side yet, but that may come in the future. Coach Harrison had more to do in getting the ball rolling.”

The track, fully rubberized and FHSAA district capable, was installed after a hurricane destroyed the previous track nearly five years ago.

The stadium, according to Garcia, has a lot of history and some Raider alums and families were interested, at one time, of taking bricks from the rubble to commemorate the stadium.

“The stadium, built in the late 1950s and 1960s, had a lot of memories for the people of Orange Park,” said Garcia. “There are literally four air conditioners instead of one window unit for the entire press box and the WiFi is up to date for being a top notch press box. There are also two coaching boxes for assistant coaches to watch the game and report to the coaches on the field.”

Brightman noted the seating capacity seats around 2500 fans with special seating for wheelchair bound fans up and a ramp into the stadium body.

Brightman also commented that the new coaching staff, led by second year coach Marcus Wimberly, has been technologically improved with the facility itself still on the planning board.

“Coach Wimberly has done a lot to bring in new tech stuff,” said Brightman. “We’ll get to that building another time. Right now, the coaching staff is the only new part of the fieldhouse.”