It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the start of our gym renovation, the second phase of our campus improvement plan. Starting this April, we will begin removing the bleachers and current gym floor, replacing them with a new gym floor, safer bleachers, and updated padding. During the renovation, the gym will be unavailable; however, our spring sports teams will be able to practice outdoors on our turf field.
The updated gym will be a game-changer for our athletes, but it impacts all students because the gym serves as our central gathering place. We regularly use the gym to hold school-wide Masses, assemblies, guest speakers, pep rallies, and special events - the gym brings us together as a community. These upgrades will enhance safety, comfort, and the overall experience for everyone who steps through our doors.
In sharing this with you, we want to emphasize three points:
This is a part of a larger strategic campus improvement plan. We also hope to add a track, tennis courts, a performing arts center and chapel in the future. We know students have diverse interests and we care about all of them. Expansion takes time and resources - we’re taking action one step at a time.
This is student-centered and mission-driven. Our mission is to guide our students toward the realization of their God-given potential. Making improvements to modernize our campus ultimately benefits our students and the experience they have at Rice.
This project is made possible by a group of leadership donors. We are thankful for their investment and look forward to additional projects where other Rice community members can partner with us in investing in the future of our school.
Rice has had steady growth over the past ten years and it reflects our reputation for academic excellence, our strong community, and ultimately our commitment to our Catholic mission and our students. We're excited to keep the momentum going!