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