Dedication of Julie Dayton Field at Performance Park
Jumping another hurdle in our school’s history.
It was somewhat befitting that on the day set aside to dedicate Julie Dayton Field at Performance Park, the skies opened with rain.
Throughout the construction process, the rains wreaked havoc, slowing the progression. But the beauty of the new turf field is that it allows for things to continue in the adverse weather.
So the dedication went on under a sea of umbrellas.
Students, faculty, staff, parents, alumnae and friends gathered on May 8, 2019 to celebrate Julie Dayton Field at Performance Park.
“Only at St. Catherine’s, where so many men and women believe in empowering girls, could so many facilities be named for women,” Dayton said during the event. “I am truly honored to be one of them.”
During the celebration, students experienced the field through field hockey and lacrosse, Censations performed, the Lower School Choir sang the national anthem, the fourthies raised the flags, the Rev. Dr. Dorothy White blessed the field and a ribbon was cut to officially open the newest facility at St. Catherine’s. Director of Athletics Julie Dayton even donned a vest made from the new AstroTurf.
A new banner was released down the side of McVey Theatre to signify the beginning of Phase 2, which will focus on the new Arts and Innovation Center for use by all girls, across all divisions, and the entire curriculum.
“I know this moment will be one of the many important ones as this facility makes a powerful statement about the importance of providing our girls with opportunities for success and life,” Dayton said.
The regulation size AstroTurf field will be used for field hockey, lacrosse and soccer, as well as Physical Education classes and year-round, dry space for recess, outdoor play and athletic competition. In addition, the area includes more than 170 parking spaces, turf field spectator seating, bathrooms, and a new campus-wide HVAC system. The field will be used for recess, outdoor play, P.E. classes, school activities and athletics.
“If I am being completely honest I jumped for joy the first time I stepped on this field, and I along with my fellow teammates and captains are ecstatic to see what our future holds, hopefully, some LIS and state titles,” said junior Maddie Vicars, a field hockey standout and Joni dancer.
Performance Park and Julie Dayton Field were made possible by the generosity of many lead donors. The School is especially grateful to Lisa and Charlie Luck whose early lead gift helped launch Phase 1 of developing the southern third of campus. Performance Park, a place to realize human potential, will become a hub of campus activity and community gatherings, as well as a gateway to the new Arts and Innovation Center.
“Performance Park opens up so many new opportunities for the arts and athletics to develop into bigger, stronger, and greater programs, ones which I know so many members of this community are honored to be a part of and I know many are excited for these new additions to the Saints Community.”
