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Longfellow Giraffes Celebrate First Stretch of Construction on New Playfield

Longfellow Giraffes Celebrate First Stretch of Construction on New Playfield
Posted on 10/07/2019

  Longfellow Spanish Immersion Magnet Schools' Ballet Folklórico Dancers Kick-Off Groundbreaking for New Joint-Use Field on Sept. 27, 2019

SAN DIEGO &; Longfellow Spanish Immersion Magnet School's "Giraffes" are now one "hoof" closer to their new joint-use field, with the start of construction on their 50,000 square-foot grass playfield in the Bay Park community of San Diego.

To celebrate, the school's ballet folklórico joined Superintendent Cindy Marten, City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, Principal Diana Sanchez, and district leaders in a groundbreaking celebration held Friday, Sept. 27.

"This field will provide more than just space for our students," Principal Sanchez said. "It will teach them important skills, like how to be social, how to work in teams, and the importance of exercise."

Groundbreaking ceremoney

Longfellow Spanish Immersion Magnet School Students Join Board President Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, and Chief Facilities Planning and Construction Officer, Lee Dulgeroff in the groundbreaking for their new joint-use field.

When complete, the new field will include a walking and running path, a drinking fountain, trees, and security fencing.

As part of the "Play All Day" partnership with the City of San Diego, the joint-use field will be accessible to the community as a local park after school hours and during school breaks. Through the partnership, the San Diego Unified School District funds and builds the fields, and the City maintains them upon completion.

There are 83 joint-use fields between San Diego Unified and the City, with 44 new fields in the planning process. Two fields were recently completed, and five fields are currently under construction.

"The benefits of this field are two-fold," said Chief Facilities Planning and Construction Officer, Lee Dulgeroff. "They give our students the outdoor spaces they deserve, while providing a quality neighborhood park to local communities. It's a win-win for all."

WATCH: Longfellow Spanish Immersion Magnet School Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Joint-Use Field:

Capital projects are funded by San Diego Unified's Propositions S and Z, which are local bond measures approved by San Diego voters to repair, renovate and revitalize neighborhood schools.

The field also aligns with San Diego Unified's wellness policy, to promote both student achievement and wellness. The field will provide the coordinated school health model of physical education and activity, a healthy and safe school environment, and family and community involvement.

Group of people

Superintendent Cindy Marten Smiles with Chief Facilities Planning and Construction Officer, Lee Dulgeroff, and Board Trustee Dr. Mike McQuary. City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell smiles at the crowd.

"It is crucial for students to get started early in physical education," Superintendent Cindy Marten said.

To read more about projects, like the Longfellow Spanish Immersion Magnet joint-use field, visit http://fpcprojects.sandi.net.