-
Q
Where are the sports fields located and who controls access?
-
A
The new fields are located on 15 acres of land owned by the East Bay Regional
Park District at the junction of Gilman Street and Interstate 80 adjacent to Golden Gate Fields. A five-city consortium led by the City of Berkeley is overseeing the building of the sports field complex, and College Prep has negotiated guaranteed, long-term access for its men’s varsity and JV soccer teams and both women’s soccer and softball teams. These fields will also accommodate lacrosse should College Prep form a lacrosse team in the future.
The lighted sports field complex will include two all-weather soccer fields, two natural grass softball fields and one baseball diamond. The facility is easily accessible from the College Prep campus and includes good parking, fan seating and restroom facilities. As always, College Prep will use its fleet of vans to provide transportation from its campus to the sports fields.
-
Q
Does College Prep really need its own soccer and softball fields?
-
A
In a word, yes. Without a long-term solution to our sports field needs,
College Prep will continue to compete against the ever growing number of school and club teams vying for a severely limited number of sports fields, year after year. Over the past five years, an average of 28% of all College Prep students play soccer and/or softball during the academic year.
Additionally, many potential qualified student applicants to College Prep consider sports activities to be an important part of the high-school experience. Accordingly, the athletic program and facilities often influence which high schools talented middle-school student applicants consider.
Finally, many of College Prep’s East Bay and San Francisco rivals have significantly upgraded their athletic fields in recent years, for a competitive advantage.
-
Q
How much are we trying to raise?
-
A
College Prep’s share of the field development cost is $600,000. Based on
College Prep student athlete participation, the costs of the sports fields internally have been allocated at $450,000 for the men’s and women’s soccer field and $150,000 for the women’s softball field.
-
Q
How long will College Prep have exclusive rights to the fields?
-
A
We have negotiated a 25-year lease, to 2034, with an option to extend the
lease if the parties agree.
-
Q
Why this particular field development project?
-
A
After exploring options throughout the East Bay for many years, we discovered
this opportunity and knew that we had found a home. Once you visit this striking location on the Bay, you will see first hand what we mean. The all-weather and planned natural grass fields are of the highest quality, and the easy freeway access and extensive parking provide great convenience for participants and spectators alike.
-
Q
What is the timing?
-
A
Half of the funding ($450,000) must be available at the signing of the final
agreement (Fall ‘09) with the balance ($150,000) due upon completion of the grass softball fields.
-
Q
Which facilities will be available to College Prep and when?
-
A
College Prep will have reserved access to one lighted all-weather field turf
soccer field and one natural grass softball diamond every school day from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. for the seasons of those sports. Completion of a multipurpose field house and additional permanent facilities will follow.
-
Q
What are the field usage fees over and above the $600,000 payment?
-
A
College Prep will pay the going rate for field usage by youth groups. These fees will be used for facility maintenance and long-term repairs and are comparable to what we currently pay for field usage, regardless of field location.
-
Q
Are contributions tax-deductible?
-
A
Yes, contributions to College Prep in support of this endeavor are tax-deductible as allowable by law.
-
Q
What are the best ways to contribute to this exciting opportunity?
-
A
By Check Payable to: The College Preparatory School
6100 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618-1824
On-line at: www.college-prep.org/donate
By Credit Card: Call (510) 420-2352
Transfer of Securities: Call (510) 420-2352
-
Q
Whom should I contact if I have additional questions?
-
A
Kim Coull, Director of Development, The College Preparatory School
Phone: (510) 420-2352
E-mail: kim@college-prep.org