Ability Now’s ribbon cutting November 1st celebrated the new athletic field at the Center, which was made possible through Ability Now’s partnership with neighbors Head Royce School. The field will be used by Head Royce students for soccer and lacrosse practice after school as well as by participants and staff of Ability Now.
Head Royce School approached Ability Now over two years ago to propose a solution for the field that was unusable due to gopher holes that made the field uneven and dangerous, and weeds that were up to four feet high in some areas. Head Royce would pay for the renovation of the field if they could use it for their student’s after school athletic practices –and then sub-lease use of the field during the school year.
After multiple city council meetings, addressing the concerns of neighbors, pulling the needed permits etc., the renovation finally began in June 2018. Over the next 5 months, Ability Now’s back field was transformed from an inaccessible mess to a beautiful athletic field. On November 1st, Ability Now’s executive director, Leslie Visbal, and Head Royce’s Head of School, Crystal Land cut the ribbon to the new field together, and opened it up to both students and participants, who ran out to use the field for the first time. This is what community partnership is all about, creating a win-win for everyone at Ability Now and Head Royce School.