Santa Rosa Academy Gymnasium Nears Completion

Construction continues on the new gym at Santa Rosa Academy. It is scheduled to open in September. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

A multi-purpose gymnasium is scheduled to open in September as the centerpiece of a $9 million athletic complex being constructed at Santa Rosa Academy in Menifee.

Santa Rosa basketball and volleyball teams have never played a home game because of a lack of facilities. Now, as the latest project in the school's three-year history at its new location on La Piedra Road, players will be able to practice on an inside court and host games. The gym has a seating capacity of 2,000.

"It is such a big step, to not have our basketball players practicing out there in the heat," said Laura Badillo, executive director of Santa Rosa Academy, referring to the outdoor courts previously used for practices. "Every game they played was an away game. And to not have practice rained out? Yes, the players are chomping at the bit."

The gym won't be ready for the start of volleyball season, but it will open before the start of basketball season, Badillo said. The facility includes a lobby with a snack bar, a multi-purpose PE classroom, athletic director's office, coaches' office, weight room, locker rooms and storage areas.

The gym includes three basketball courts, with retractable hoops that also can be adjusted for height to accommodate younger Santa Rosa students and youth basketball leagues. Badillo said the gym will be leased to community groups for use.

"We want to share with the community," Badillo said. "They have shared with us all these years."

Outside, a new baseball/softball field is nearing completion. Sod will be planted and dugouts are being finished. There also is a snack bar being built between the baseball and football fields.

Because the field will be used by both baseball and softball teams, there will be no grass in the infield and a portable mound will be brought out for use during baseball games.

A special event will be held to mark the opening of the gym sometime in September, Badillo said.

The multi-purpose gym includes three basketball courts and can be used by community groups.

A baseball/softball field will be available for use by teams next spring.