Play it Forward

After consulting with multiple engineers, it was determined that an R-Tank is among the most efficient options available for underground stormwater systems. It provides an underground vault or storage space for stormwater runoff to preserve the water for recycled use. This system will enable us to meet the city’s requirements to retain 64,000 cubic feet of water, equivalent to the 100-year, 2-hour stormwater runoff volume.

Ultimately, it is to raise the utilization ceiling on the field. All Saints’ has spent decades trying to solve “the field problem.” With the amount of activity on our only outdoor fields, it has become apparent that natural grass is not a viable option for us. According to the Synthetic Turf Council (STC), synthetic fields are three times more durable than natural fields. The STC found that a synthetic field can withstand 3,000 hours of playing time yearly. This breaks down to 250 hours a month or 8 hours a day, plus turf fields don’t require long “rest periods’’ like natural fields.

Due to the usage of the field and the soil’s low filtration rate, overseeding is not a viable option. Overseeding the field would require us to shut it down in early October for three weeks. This corresponds with flag football season and Harvest Fair, and would heavily impact recess and P.E. classes, as we do not have an alternative outdoor space to use.

A synthetic field will take less water, and the runoff reserve can be used to cool the field as needed. Water is the lifeblood of a natural grass field and will always be an area of concern in our desert environment.

Play is far more than just fun—it's a vital part of how kids learn and grow. It sparks creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, all essential skills for their future success. Right now, our playground, which was built with our youngest learners in mind, isn't big enough for the needs of our entire student body. That's why we're excited to propose a renovation and expansion, boosting it to 17,000 square feet.

The School will look to families to support this vital project through charitable donations. As we have just completed our most extensive capital campaign to date, the School and Board of Trustees want to be fiscally responsible before moving forward with this project. Phase I of the project will need to be 80 percent funded before breaking ground, as we will not use a construction loan for this project. The Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees will have oversight and provide recommendations based on the fundraising commitments.

DREAM funds items that are part of the School’s annual operating budget. This is a capital project that is outside of the scope of our annual budget. While DREAM is the foundation of giving at All Saints’, this is an additional fundraising priority for our school.