Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic School in Newport Beach recently got one step closer toward building its long-awaited Athletics and Activities Center, an 11,000-square-foot facility that will house indoor recreational and performance opportunities for generations of children, families and parishioners.
The $6.8-million center, which will be located on a portion of the school’s parking lot, received a blessing with Holy Water on March 8 and prayer from the parish’s pastor Fr. Steve Sallot. Sallot distributed the blessing along the perimeter, lined with students, of where the center will be.
Fr. Sallot wrote in a letter to parents: “It has long been a dream of our parish and school to enjoy an Athletics and Activities Center on our campus. That dream, which was begun by Msgr. Bill McLaughlin, and carried forward by Msgr. Kerry Beaulieu will become a reality as the project begins on Monday, March 8, 2021.”
Construction for the Athletics and Activities Center, which was first envisioned in 1998, is expected to last 12 months. When complete, it will contain the following: a regulation basketball court, two volleyball courts, a performance stage, locker rooms, offices, restrooms, a concession stand, storage areas, a lobby and plaza areas. Bleacher seating will accommodate nearly 500 people.
School officials say the facility will not only serve athletic needs, but ministry and performing arts ones, too, such as hosting concerts and faith formation events.
A cornerstone celebration is planned for May. Fundraising for the project is ongoing.