AMPIONSHIP . FOR THE HAIL MARY PASS . FOR THE SCHOOL RECORD . FOR TH R THE RELAY TEAM . FOR THE SEASON . FOR THE RIVALRY . FOR THE FRIEND R THE GAME . FOR THE VICTORY BELL . FOR THE HISTORY . FOR THE LIGHTS . R GAME . FOR THE UNEXPECTED WIN . FOR THE COACH . FOR THE MEMORIES R THE LIGHTS . FOR THE DETERMINATION . FOR THE SPORTSMANSHIP . FOR TH IFORM . FOR THE TEAMMATES . FOR THE BUS RIDES . FOR THE SECONDS SHA
TA ’ s Athletic Complex Capital Campaign : Update
A new athletic complex has been a TA vision for several years . And while we have hit some delays in the form of structural evaluations and the COVID-19 pandemic , we ’ re pleased to share that we are working with the architect to create new drawings and move forward with our vision .
ATHLETICS
A little history of the project
In December 2019 we got closer to making the new athletic complex a reality for our students when TA successfully met our $ 3 million fundraising goal in support of the Athletic Complex Capital Campaign . The next step was to conduct structural and environmental evaluations on Linnell Gymnasium . The results from these evaluations indicated the cost to renovate Linnell Gymnasium would be much greater than originally anticipated , impacting the initial renovation and construction plans . In our efforts to be prudent and responsible stewards of the money donated in support of this project , we chose to revisit the original architectural design and scope .
As we paused to evaluate the new options , the world faced a global pandemic . For the last year and a half , the situation surrounding COVID‐19 temporarily and understandably redirected our priorities and focus to the safety and health of our TA community . Our attention and resources shifted exclusively to meeting our students ’ educational and safety needs , and continuously adjusted to the changing recommendations put forward by the Department of Education and CDC . Many of these challenges are now behind us , and we are ready to return to the work of getting this project back on track .
What ’ s next ?
Taking the time to ensure the new athletic complex will suit all of our evolving needs has , indeed , been time very well spent . We are actively working with the architect to create new drawings that address our programmatic and community needs , while taking into account the challenges and opportunities that resulted from the structural and environmental evaluations .
At the TA Trustees ’ Annual Meeting in July , the Board reviewed broad concepts and plans for the new field house and directed our staff to pursue more detailed drawings , cost analysis and permits to move this exciting project forward . We look forward to providing more updates on our progress as we continue our work toward making this facility a reality .
We couldn ’ t do it without you
On behalf of the Capital Campaign Committee , we offer our sincere gratitude to our alumni , parents , friends , and community partners who have made gifts in support of this project . We appreciate your patience and understanding . With the initial fundraising goal of $ 3 million reached , TA has committed to raising additional funds towards the Athletic Complex Capital Campaign to cover the increase in construction and material costs .
As you may know , TA does not receive any taxpayer funds for capital projects , and must rely on the generosity of alumni , parents and friends to enhance and maintain its campus . It ’ s not too late to say “ count me in '' and join us as we build upon the proud traditions that make TA such a special place .
For more information on how you can be part of this new exciting chapter for TA and our Saco community , please email development @ thorntonacademy . org .
10 Story by Haley Thompson