Two sizeable anonymous donations have enabled Bishop Garcia Diego High School to open a new gymnasium, to be formally dedicated and opened May 2.

"This is the largest and most extensive project on the campus since it was built in 1958, and the first undertaken since Bishop became an independent Catholic high school on July 1, 2005," stated John Gherini, chairman of the Santa Barbara school's board of trustees. "This is a bold statement that Bishop High School will be here for the long term. As it has done so well in the past, Bishop will continue to serve the Santa Barbara community and people of all faiths for many generations to come."

The initial $3.4 million donation from an anonymous benefactor for construction of a new practice gymnasium led to groundbreaking occurred May 1, 2006 for the new facility.

The school recently received another $750,000. anonymous grant to fully landscape the courtyard quad to feature more grass and green areas, paved walkways, lighting and benches to create an atmosphere for culture, beauty, leisure and recreation.

The new gymnasium is equipped with six baskets, two basketball courts and two volleyball courts. In addition, campus upgrades include new rest rooms installed in the main gym, new shower and locker rooms, handicap access, improved fire access, new landscaping to a portion of the quad and other improvements to the school's infrastructure.

"This gymnasium will enhance Bishop's athletic department and school community on many levels," stated Dan Peeters, athletic director. "It will eliminate conflicts and will obliterate the loss of practice time that has, up to now, occurred during art, theatre, musical, and social functions."

From a family perspective, officials said, the new facility will increase the amount of family time for student athletes by allowing them to get home at a more reasonable hour. Eighty-five percent of Bishop High students participate in athletics and other school activities, with many students participating in several sports programs while maintaining high academic standards.

In addition, the school recently completed construction on a new softball field, improvements to the baseball field and resurfaced the tennis courts to complete an entire athletic upgrade at the school.

"These projects are for the students, now and in the future," said Gherini. "The students have earned it."

In athletics, Bishop Garcia Diego competes against schools up to six times its size, fielding competitive teams in 16 Varsity sports. "This project shows that Bishop is committed to providing the best facilities for our students," said Gherini. "Our goal is to prepare students for college, and to prepare them for life. Building facilities such as this and encouraging student athletes is one way to help achieve this goal."