“We started planning and fundraising for the project about January of 2007,” said Paul Wendel, another spokesman for the project. “The planning went very quickly. The fundraising was a whole different story.”
The Diocese chose to undertake the project without taking out a loan of any kind. The Play/Pray Zone will be constructed with money entirely raised or donated.
“That’s the way the Diocese normally likes to undertake these projects,” said Danielson. “The whole project is on paper and if we have to approach it in phases as the fundraising allows then that’s fine.”
Preparations for this project began in the fall of 2005 with the purchase of a home located adjacent to the current playground/parking area. That home was subsequently moved making way for the future field of “green” - environmentally friendly artificial turf made from recycled materials.
“After the renovation to the school back in 2000 the back playground became blacktop,” said Danielson on the decision to turf the playing field. “Before that it was supposed to be grass but it was always just a dirt field with that many people playing on it. Somebody brought up the idea of turf and as the project went on people got behind it.”
Wendel and Danielson hope the project will enhance the school’s image as a good neighbor on Michigan Street.
“This is a school project but it’s really a community project as well,” said Wendel. “We’ll be taking down that 50 year old fence that’s really an eyesore, moving everything back about eight feet to provide more greenspace and be more in line with the rest of the houses down Michigan. With the wrought iron gates and pillars it will just be a lot more attractive.”
A memorial or commemorative walkway is being planned and bricks are currently available by phoning the school at 574-936-4329 or Emily Hutsell at 574-941-2294.