Since its founding in 1946, the children of St. Agnes School in Arlington have played on a black top.
Now, the new St. Agnes Lions Cherubs Field is a reality, providing students with a state-of-the-art artificial turf playground that was constructed five feet on top of the old parking lot space.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” said Jennifer Kuzdzal, principal. “This is a dream that I’ve wanted for a long time. For years we’ve had ripped pants, concussions and broken bones. This takes our school to that next level and elevates the experience for all the kids.”
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge presided over the opening ceremony May 2, blessing all of the students and the field with holy water. “One of the ways we give honor and glory to God is to recreate,” said Bishop Burbidge. “We enjoy life. We enjoy playing and being together with one another so we see this as God’s gift. We give a blessing upon it that all who will be playing on this turf will be protected and that God will watch over all of you.”
Measuring 150-feet long and 50-feet wide with a stone retaining wall, the turf required “hundreds of tons of gravel” underneath the surface, according to Robb Bowers, project manager of Chamberlain Construction. “We feel very proud. It turned out nice,” he said.
The project highlighted an impressive fundraising collaboration involving parents, alumni and generous donors, who raised $450,000 to cover the entire cost in less than a year.
“This is a historic day,” said Lynda Flippin, president of the St. Agnes School PTO. “It is a testament to the entire St. Agnes Community — our alumni, school and church. There’s a lot of blacktop and asphalt in Arlington, and now we have a green space where the kids can play soccer and volleyball and just enjoy themselves.”
“What this adds is a whole new dynamic for soft play, sport play and field play,” said designer Matt Tauscher, director of land planning for Bowman Consulting. “The field is all new technology, much more improved over the old turf fields, and I think it’s beautiful.”
Moments after the conclusion of the ceremony, Msgr. William P. Saunders, pastor, said that the new playground will play an important role in the students’ education and their development as a whole person. “Children need a place to have fun and to burn off that energy so that they can go back to the classroom,” he said. “I’m totally grateful. The Lord has blessed us.”
