Proposed Turf and Track for Saint Thomas Academy

For the next two weeks (April 4-18, 2008), the STA Board of Trustees will gauge parental interest for the project based on the pledges submitted to the Development Office.

On Wednesday, April 2, an important parent meeting was held to discuss the replacement of the existing track and field; many students and a number of parents were in attendance.

If you were unable to attend the meeting, here is what you missed:

The project will cost $1.1 million - this price includes a new artificial turf field inside the Gerry Brown Stadium and the replacement of the Bill Culbertson track.
To date, more than $500,000 has been raised for the project from three members of the community who are not parents. A challenge match has been put in place by these three donors, asking the entire parent community to match their $500,000 donation.
The STA Board of Trustees is interested in the level of parent involvement and the desire of parents to raise the remaining funds needed to complete this project.

Examples of parents' financial participation include:

$50 per month for three years = $1,800
$250 per year for four years = $1,000
One-time $5,000 stock or cash gift

Please download the pledge form below and mail/fax/deliver the completed form to Saint Thomas Academy.

Mail to the Development Office: 955 Lake Drive, Mendota Heights MN 55120
Fax to the Development Office: 651-454-0995
Deliver: to the Development Office or the main office at school

Artificial Turf/New Track Pledge Form [pdf]

Also, please keep in mind that the Community Auction and the Annual Fund are vitally important and separate endeavors and your continued support is critical for balancing the annual budget.

Rationale for Artificial Turf and a New Track:

The project will provide needed field space during construction for the upcoming capital campaign expansion.
The current stadium field can only be used for a total of 83 hours every year. Artificial turf will allow the field to be used for a total of 1,500 hours every year.
A new field equals new users: Band, Military reviews, all levels of lacrosse, JV football and soccer, 9th grade football and soccer, 8th grade football and soccer, and 7th grade football and soccer - HUNDREDS of students will benefit.
The surface of the track is cracking; it is more than 12 years old.
Artificial turf is softer and safer; less injuries, stress on joints and concussions.
Artificial turf is more environmentally friendly; there is no need for water, fertilizer, seeding or maintenance.
The new turf and track will aid the admissions process.
The turf will be available for immediate usage in the fall of 2008.

All of the STA administrators approve of the proposal. Coaches Ziebarth, Tangwe, Klein and Tapio, and Band director Neddermeyer attended the meeting to show their support and discussed the need for and benefits of this project. Please join them in helping our students' co-curricular programs. Thank you!