Fundraiser Barbeque For Outdoor Student Activity Center

St. Paul Cathedral School has announced plans to launch an ambitious fundraising campaign to replace old, outdated playground equipment at the school. The campaign began May 24 at a barbeque hosted by the school to educate the community about plans for a modern outdoor student activity center.

“Research tells us that regular physical activity can lead to a child’s high brain function and ultimate academic excellence,” says St. Paul’s Principal Judy Davis. “While our school has made large investments in teachers, technology and curriculum over the past several years, the area that has fallen behind is our outside playground. It does not meet the modern needs of the students, nor does it meet the minimum state requirements for younger students.”

The fundraising for the activity center will be one of the largest capital campaigns for the school since it was founded in 1914. Despite much of the labor being donated by volunteers, the playground is expected to cost approximately $250,000. Of this amount, the school has already received commitment from an anonymous donor that they will match up to $75,000 of donated funds.

At the barbeque, the school highlighted three different designs for consideration. The community, alumni, parents, and students are being asked to vote on their favorite design at the event. All designs include replacing wood chips with artificial turf. It’s the same turf used in the recent remodel of Washington State University’s football field at Martin Stadium.

The activity center will offer the most state-of-the-art playground material of any schools in the Yakima Valley.