Tampa's Berkeley Prep Grows, Adds Sports Complex

Tampa's Berkeley Preparatory School is expanding through a $50 million capital campaign project.

The campaign, titled "Above & Beyond," will feature multiple phases, ultimately completing several construction projects throughout Berkeley's campus. The first phase of the campaign, featuring the addition of a new sports complex, quad and clock tower, is already underway at a cost of $20 million.

"The new 900-seats sports complex will host major school-wide events such as commencement ceremonies, holiday convocations, alumni gatherings and guest speakers. This state-of-the-art facility will become a place for our entire school community to gather together and will be home to students' most honored and memorable Berkeley traditions," says Heather Mackin, Berkeley's director of communications. "The complex will also allow Berkeley to host more tournaments on a local and national level while helping our school maintain the competitive advantage in attracting top students and outstanding teachers, coaches and administrators."

In addition to the sports complex, quad and clock tower, phase one of the project will include a new varsity softball and baseball stadium, a middle division (grades six through eight) softball stadium, an expanded varsity soccer field, a middle division sports field, a new entrance to the campus off of Bray Road, additional parking and improved campus infrastructure, as well as an endowment fund to support maintenance to the new facilities.

"This is a really exciting time to be part of the Berkeley community," says Mackin. "Our campus facilities haven't significantly changed since 1979, but our student enrollment has doubled in size to more than 1,250 students. World-class facilities such as these will help Berkeley deliver the finest possible education to our students."

With completion expected by the summer of 2012, Berkeley will begin work on future campus enhancements, including a new arts and sciences building, early childhood center, dining hall and alumni center.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Heather Mackin, Berkeley Prep