NOVEMBER 2007

DC SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION AND MAYOR FENTY UNVEIL STATE-OF-THE-ART ATHLETIC FIELDS FOR DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS   

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty joined the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC) for the District’s official unveiling of a new, state-of-the-art athletic field at McKinley High School marking a new era in the District high school athletic facilities.  McKinley has undergone a major makeover, going from having no bleachers or track to getting a new FieldTurf playing field capable of hosting football and soccer games, high-tech field lighting, digital scoreboard and even a press box. A new railing and tread system has also been installed on all the aisles in the grandstand.  This renovation is part of a $21.5 million project to upgrade athletic fields at some other high schools including Dunbar, Roosevelt, Wilson and Coolidge.  All of the facilities have received the highest quality synthetic field surfaces used at many college and professional stadiums as well as other upgrades to the track and fields, bleachers, press boxes, and other amenities where possible. 

“The partnership with the DC Sports & Entertainment Commission is only the beginning of many partnerships to come that will improve our schools,” said Mayor Fenty. “I applaud the Commission for its cooperation and commitment on behalf of our students.”

Also on hand at today’s ceremony were Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas; Allen Lew, executive director, Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization; DCPS Chancellor Michelle Rhee; Stacey D. Stewart, senior vice president, Fannie Mae; McKinley High School faculty and students.

“We thank Mayor Fenty for his leadership, support and direction as he continues to improve our schools’ facilities which ultimately will help foster greater academic achievement,” added DCSEC Board Chairman Matthew Cutts.

"The feedback from the coaches, parents and players confirms that all of the contractors, architects and workers have done a magnificent job.  I am committed to ensuring that we take this opportunity to teach staff and students the skills necessary to properly maintain the facilities to keep them in top shape for years to come,” touted Allen Y. Lew, executive director of the Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization. 
McKinley Tech’s Phoenix will play on their new field Friday, November 2nd at 2:30 pm when they take on H.D. Woodson’s Warriors.
In addition to upgrades at the schools mentioned above, similar work was completed at Ballou High School through a $4 million grant from DC-based Fannie Mae which provided $80,000 in emergency assistance to Dunbar in 2006 when reports surfaced citing the substandard condition of the school weight room and locker facilities.
“Investing in DC public schools and communities is a top priority for Fannie Mae.  Research shows that active, competitive athletic programs improve student health and complement their academic goals and achievements,” said Stacey D. Stewart, senior vice president for the Office of Community and Charitable Giving at Fannie Mae. “We are thrilled to support Ballou High School and to partner with the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission and DC Public Schools.”