Two Fields, One Vision: Elementary Schools, Neighborhoods, Celebrate the Opening of New Playfields
December 5, 2019
SAN DIEGO - Just in time for the holidays, two San Diego Unified schools and city neighborhoods have new grass fields for students and neighbors to play on.
Funded through voter-approved Propositions S and Z, the joint-use fields at Encanto Elementary and Linda Vista STEAM Magnet schools opened to the public on Nov. 15.
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.
WATCH: Two Fields One Vision: Linda Vista STEAM Magnet & Encanto Elementary School Celebrate New Joint-Use Fields
Following the dedication ceremony, Encanto Elementary's "Eagles" soared on their new running track that surrounds the 53,000 square-foot playfield, which also includes new backstops, a drinking fountain, and security fencing.
"This is my neighborhood; I live right down the road," said Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, San Diego Unified Board of Education President. "This neighborhood needs this field. The students need it. It's a win-win for the great community of Encanto."
Existing on-campus features added to the area shared with the city and community include a basketball court, play structure, and parking lot.
"I'm excited to drive down Broadway and see all the ways community members will be able to use this beautiful field and space," said Monica Montgomery, District 4 Councilmember.
Pictured: Encanto Elementary School's new joint-use field.
Over at Linda Vista STEAM Magnet School, the new playfield opened to students and the public on Nov. 15.
What a great day for LV Elementary STEAM Magnet School as we celebrate the ribbon ceremony for our brand new joint use field. Students, staff, administrators and community members were thrilled to share in this monumental event for our community. @sdschools @BeKindDreamBig pic.twitter.com/bc0ZXM2bxu
— Linda Vista ES (@LindaVistaSTEAM) November 17, 2019
New Principal, Nina Dixon-Mauricia, said the field will benefit students, staff, and the community, which has welcomed her to the campus with open arms.
"I'm impressed by the tenacity, the spirit, and resiliency of teachers, staff, and students," said Dixon-Mauricia. "I have no doubt this new field and community park will help take Linda Vista Elementary and the surrounding communities to new heights."
Similar to the joint-use field at Encanto Elementary, Linda Vista's 59,000 square-foot playfield includes a walking/running path, a drinking fountain, security fencing, and existing play structure and basketball courts.
"I'm so excited for everything that's going to happen on this field for years to come," said Michael Beraud, retired Principal at Linda Vista STEAM Magnet School. "You deserve it and the Linda Vista community deserves it."
Pictured: Linda Vista STEAM Magnet School's new joint-use field.
Speaking about the Play All Day Partnership, San Diego Unified Board Trustee, Dr. Mike McQuary said, "I want to thank the school, our community, and the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation personnel who have helped us build parks that we could all share together."
You can read more about the initiative here.