Parking lot renovation milestone in BK long-term remodeling

By Stephanie Scheibe

Whether casually driving by or dropping by for your day at school, all have probably noticed the shiny new facelift that now defines the Bishop Kelly entrance. But not many know the long hours put into this, all done while most laid away in their sunny vacation spots.

This summer BK finished the renovation of the front parking lot. Generous financial donations finally ensured a successful completion after having been in the works for over 3 years.

The parking lot is actually just the fifth part of the nine projects in BK's plans for remodeling. Locker upgrades and classroom updates were some of the past improvements. The four upcoming plans include additional classrooms and a front entrance and student commons.

"The major features," Mark Jaszowski, development director, exclaims, "are the ones you can't actually see." Below the asphalt is a base that had been prepared to ensure the pavement will last a long time. The graders used a Micro GPS system to slope the lot to manage water flow. This will allow all of the rainwater to stay on BK grounds, no drain, as before, that channeled all of the runoff into the Boise River. This greener alternative will allow the water to run into the basin that you can see at the front of the parking lot, soak in the grass, and be cleaned by degradation.

Other parts of the renovation project included the installments of 4 video cameras to ensure the safety and security of all BK students. The landscaping that beautifies the entrance of BK includes 80 Ash trees that were donated by Cloverdale Nursery. Boxwood shrubs were also planted around every parking row to decrease visibility of vehicles. The black and gold flowers chosen also help spruce up the entrance by showing school spirit.

Many of the components of the parking lot would have been missing if it had not been from all of the generous donors that contributed to this great project. All of the paving work was donated by Central Paving, president and alumni of '77, Terry McEntree. Terry and his brother Pat donated many hours of time and resources to ensure a long lasting parking lot. The granite pavers that you can see covering the courtyard were donated by Becky Thometz from China in memory of her husband, Michael Thometz, who graduated from BK in '72. Mr. Thometz and her late husband Michael own a Granite Quarry in China and generously donated enough pavers for both the Courtyard and the future entrance of BK.

Our parents, past parents, alumni, and friends are all donating time and services to modernize Bishop Kelly. Already 45 years old, this investment is necessary to keep Bishop Kelly ready for coming generations of knights.