Excitement is building as KIPP Jacksonville finishes up a very eagerly awaited construction project – the building of a gymnasium on campus.
With KIPP Impact at full capacity serving 350 students in grades 5-8, and KIPP VOICE serving 200 students, plus adding 100+ kindergarten students each year, the time was right to tackle this project. Since school doors opened in 2010, KIPP physical ed teachers had to shuttle children outdoors to empty lots and fields, or indoors to the auditorium or available hallways, as the weather dictated.
Not for much longer.
Through the generosity of a handful of donors, creativity of Fisher Koppenhafer Architects and hard work of Auld & White Constructors, KIPP Jacksonville was able to break ground this fall on an economically built, standalone athletic facility. Construction will be complete before KIPP Impact’s first 8th grade commencement in June.
The light filled, air conditioned space will accommodate year-round fitness activities for all KIPP students and staff. A full-sized basketball court and bleachers are the main indoor features, with outdoor courts also running alongside south side of the building. A covered walkway will connect the gym to the main school building and will allow for easy access in all types of weather.
PE teacher George Varkanis beamed “We’ve all waited for this for awhile. There will be just so much more we can do with our students year round in ample, climate controlled space.”
For more information about KIPP facilities projects or supporting the school, contact Director of Development Kim Grant at [email protected].