Officials gathered at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School on April 2 to break ground to renovation of the school’s Ken Mattingly Planetarium and new Law Academy. The planetarium was named for astronaut Ken Mattingly, who grew up in Hialeah, School Board Member Roberto Alonso said.
Carivon Construction won the contract for the $2.3 million project that may be completed in 2025, the school district said in a press release.
The planetarium opened in 1972 and closed in 2000. It will get a new metal sphere dome, digital projection and sound system with seating for 52. In the fall semester in 2025, new courses including astronomy, astrophysics, aerospace engineering and satellite technology will be offered to magnet students. The Law Academy will get a courtroom with judge’s bench, witness stand, jury box and deliberation rooms.
From left, Miami Lakes Councilman Ray Garcia; Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez and Councilman Luis Collazo; Dr. Jose L. Dotres, superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools; Roberto Alonso, school board member District 4; Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sen. René Garcia, Dist. 13; Fla. Sen. Bryan Avila, R-Miami Springs; Fla. Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miami Lakes and Miami Lakes Councilman Josh Dieguez.
--Linda Trischitta. Photo courtesy of Josh Dieguez.