- Oak Hall School began construction on two new gymnasiums for Middle/Upper and Lower School as part of its ‘Two Spaces. One Vision.’ campaign.
- The 22,000 sq ft Middle/Upper School gym and 6,000-7,000 sq ft Lower School gym will cost about $6 million and complete by mid next year.
Bundled up in jackets and sweaters, Oak Hall School leaders, donors and other supporters gathered in front of the Upper School Fountain on Wednesday afternoon in Gainesville to break ground on the school’s most ambitious capital campaign to date – “Two Spaces. One Vision.”
The campaign, which launched in October, will help fund the construction of two new gymnasiums on campus – one for the Middle and Upper School and another for the Lower School.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a major milestone for the school and its history,” Karin Montini, Associate Head of School at Oak Hall, said while offering remarks. “We’re taking a meaningful step towards facilities that will really enhance the student experience…”
According to an Oak Hall School press release, the buildings will:
- Provide enhanced athletic facilities for physical education, team practices and competitions.
- Serve as multipurpose spaces for school gatherings, performances and community events.
- Create opportunities for wellness, leadership and collaboration across all grade levels.
Montini said the Middle and Upper School gym and training complex will be located behind where the groundbreaking event took place.
In an interview with Mainstreet, Dr. James Hutchins, Head of School at Oak Hall, said the facility will be 22,000 square feet in total.
“The Middle and the Upper School gym reflects a different kind of growth,” he said while giving remarks. “One centered on identity, belonging and the confidence that comes with the challenge and collaboration. This complex serves as a hub for wellness, community gatherings, performances, celebration and moments that define the Oak Hall experience.”
The Lower School gym, meanwhile, will be located on the road to the right when visitors go through the roundabout coming into campus (near the soccer field and basketball court).
Hutchins said in the interview that the Lower School gym will be roughly 6,000 to 7,000 square feet in total.
“It is a space designed with intention,” he said while offering remarks. “Safe, joyful and developmentally appropriate. It will give our youngest learners a place to grow through movement, exploration and play – all essential components of early learning.”
Together, Hutchins said both facilities cost roughly $6 million.
“We’re well on our way to securing the full amount, but we still got some ways to go,” he said.
Those who would like to learn more about the campaign or how to support Oak Hall’s future can visit www.oakhall.org/give/onevision/.
Hutchins said they anticipate having the Lower School gym completed by the end of the school year, and the Middle and Upper School gym finished a few months after.
Nick Anschultz is a Report for America corps member and writes about education for Mainstreet Daily News. This position is supported by local donations through the Community Catalyst for Local Journalism Fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Florida.
