Bethany Christian school’s capital campaign, which launched publicly in mid-2019, has been going very well and is getting better with time. Some new developments have made this project very exciting. This capital campaign, entitled Great Strides, has the intent to raise money for a revamping of the athletic facilities on the campus of Bethany. The initial goal was to raise 1.6 million dollars, and at this point in time, has raised a little over two million dollars. Because of unexpected water runoff problems, the new goal is to raise 2.4 million dollars.
The other new development which was not previously planned for is the continuation of the Winona Bike Trail throughout not only the Bethany campus but connecting the city of Goshen. Consequently, Bethany will house a public trailhead, including public parking for bikers and other pedestrians.
The current notable undertakings of the athletic facility renovation include a practice soccer field, new and repositioned baseball, softball, and soccer fields, brand new track and field facilities, redone concessions, bathrooms, and railroad crossing, as well as a continuation of the Winona Trail.
Not many further complications due to the current pandemic are foreseen, and the project is on pace to begin construction in the spring of 2021. A few prices came back higher than expected, including a high cost for labor and materials in a booming construction industry.
The construction should very minimally affect Baseball and softball seasons unless either advance beyond sectionals. However, the soccer field will not be available for the season of 2021. Considering the magnitude of the project, to only have one field incapacitated during its season is very good
Myrl Nafziger and the September Challenge
In a video call with Head of School Tim Lehman (which can be found in a link below) Myrl Nofzinger said that his parents had him go to Bethany when it first opened and he was very thankful for that decision as well as the administrators at Bethany. He is now giving back by helping Bethany raise the funds to complete the Great Strides Campaign.
To help raise the necessary funds, Myrl, a 1958 Bethany alumni (The first-ever graduating class), and his wife Phyllis Nofziger have put forward a challenge for the month of September. If during the month of September, Bethany raises 20,000 dollars, Myrl and Phyllis will match that up to 50%. He is hoping to get the community, along with the alumni, involved in the unique Bethany community.
The intent for this project is not only to make Bethany athletics safer and more communal, but also the city of Goshen as a whole. So far, it seems that will be accomplished.
To read more, watch more, or donate, follow these links:
Video conversation between Myrl Nofzinger and Tim Lehman
Great Strides September 2020 Update
Bethany Christian Schools announces completion of Community Foundation grant