North Coast Church Volunteers Renovate Olive Peirce Middle School and Ramona Community Park (Ramona, California)

North Coast Church’s efforts to renovate Olive Peirce Middle School and Ramona Community Park marked the completion of a year-long initiative, supported by over $100,000 in donations and contributions, as well as the labor of hundreds of volunteers. The work was part of the church’s Serve Your City project, which took place over the weekend of May 3 and 4.

At Olive Peirce Middle School, the improvements included the addition of a sensory garden and mural, new tree plantings, refreshed landscaping, and the construction of two block walls for entrance signage. These changes were designed to create a more inviting and welcoming environment for students and staff.

Ramona Community Park saw significant upgrades as well, with over 650 tons of dirt and infield mix added to two ballfields. The snack bar was renovated with new windows, lighting, interior paint, and exterior faux stone and shiplap siding, giving it a farmhouse aesthetic. These enhancements aimed to improve the park’s functionality and appeal for the local community.

Olive Peirce Principal Lindsay Benedetto expressed her appreciation for the transformation, noting that the school’s 700-plus seventh- and eighth-grade students and staff were delighted with the changes. She described the atmosphere as one of joy and gratitude, emphasizing the positive impact of the community’s involvement.

Dave Ross, a North Coast Church city manager who oversaw both projects, highlighted the church’s ongoing commitment to serving the community through its Serve Your City initiative. The project was conducted at multiple campus locations, including Ramona, Rancho Bernardo, and others. Ross emphasized that the church’s efforts are driven by a sense of purpose and dedication to improving the local area.

The church is also planning to develop a new 20,330-square-foot campus on land previously owned by Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church. This expansion reflects the church’s long-term vision for community service and outreach.

Ross noted that approximately 100 volunteers worked at Olive Peirce and another 70 at Ramona Community Park. Most of the volunteers were members of North Coast Church, with a smaller portion coming from other churches or inspired by the project’s impact.

The renovation of the snack bar and sports fields was made possible through a partnership with the Ramona Municipal Water District, which contributed $17,500 toward the improvements. The church covered the remaining costs for materials and supplies, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing public spaces.

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