Page 14 - The Paduan Summer 2021

Previewing Summer Renovation Projects
The influx of funds from the sale of Padua Franciscan Park has accelerated Padua’s plans to make its facilities more safe and up-to-date. During the summer of 2020, the Padua facilities committee created
a 5-year plan for the updating of the facilities. The plan envisioned projects to greatly enhance student learning and to increase the overall level of safety
in the building. The plan was based on the assumption of gradual and steady improvements.
However, the recent sale of Padua Franciscan Park to West Creek Conservancy provides a significant jumpstart to the pace at which the improvements can
be made. The Board of Trustees wisely released these funds in order to hasten
the completion of the facilities plan. As a result, this summer, the Padua campus is the site of feverish activity to achieve the goals of the facilities plan.
In line with Padua’s consistent commitment to the health and safety of students, the overhaul of the existing air/ ventilation/exhaust system in the cafeteria, gym and locker rooms is one project being completed with proceeds from the sale
of Padua Franciscan Park. These funds, in conjunction with funds from Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS), permit the complete overhaul of the existing HVAC system. Together with the
wrestling community has been very generous with their time and resources over the years to make improvements in the wrestling room. The funds from the sale of Padua Park provide the opportunity to continue to improve our wrestling room as Head Coach Dave Morell ’80 builds on Padua’s wrestling tradition. “
Padua Franciscan Park funds also made possible improvements to the school’s lighting. Dim exterior lighting is being replaced by LED lights. The brighter lights add to the security of students, teachers, families, and all who use the parking
lots. In addition, the gymnasium is now equipped with dimmable LED lights.
They enhance the attendees’ experience of athletic events, fine arts presentations and student assemblies. By choosing
LED lights, Padua has reduced its carbon footprint and continues to implement its Franciscan mission as stewards of creation.
President Dave Stec ’86 stated that
the proceeds from the sale of Padua Franciscan Park are a Godsend. The influx of money has catapulted the facilities plan forward. Building on this foundation, future support from alumni and donors will continue to be crucial to the completion of Padua’s facilities blueprint. In fact, alumni contributions will have an even greater impact.
waterproofing of the south basement wall, these projects ensure a healthy, safe environment for everyone in the building.
In addition, new cafeteria tables and chairs paid for by Padua Franciscan Park funds will greatly enhance the dining experience of Padua students. Comfortable chairs have replaced the hard and cumbersome chairs. Both the chairs and the new plastic tables are more easily sanitized and more easily arranged for school events.
Padua’s computer labs were also in need of modernization. This summer is seeing their transformation into true innovation centers, designed for collaborative project work, physical computing exploration, and robotics construction. Mr. Rich Kirkpatrick, computer science teacher and robotics club moderator, said “It is anticipated
that the space will support large group discussion, leading to smaller group hands-on application and refinement of concepts and ideas. Our Robotics team will be able to use the space to more fully develop and realize their designs as they prepare and practice for competition with other schools throughout the school year.”
Padua Athletics is also benefiting from the new funding, specifically the boys’ wrestling facilities. These are being updated with a new roof, ceiling, mats and lights. Mr. Kevin Leigh ’89, Padua Athletic Director, commented, “The Padua
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