Construction will soon begin on the new gym for Immaculate Conception Gym, the Catholic school located in Monmouth.
A groundbreaking and blessing of the worksite is set for took place August 22 with a planned completion in August of 2024.
According to a release from the school leaders, the school has been open for over a century but has seen steady growth in the last decade.
That growth led to then-pastor Msgr. Thomas Mack to lay plans for a new, full-size gym.
The gym would allow multiple extracurricular activities to happen simultaneously, and will serve as a new focal point for student-athletes, families, coaches and faith.
The gym currently in use will be converted for parish and school activities, including as a cafeteria for the school.
“The gym is a solution to a very good problem,” said current pastor Fr. Timothy D. Hepner, “We are busting at the seams and we need more space. It will allow us to set aside Wednesday evenings as faith and family nights. While our culture moves away from Christ and his teachings, we are committed to leaning into our Catholic identity and creating even more space for Jesus and families.”
The capital campaign to build the gym was launched on May 1, 2022, and successfully raised $3.5 million from local donors.
Two years ago the City of Monmouth vacated a block of Archer Avenue, although it came with controversy as some neighbors spoke against the closure, worried it would disrupt traffic flow and create obstructions.
