ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2026, Allentown Central Catholic High School is conducting a feasibility study to explore potential improvement projects for its academics and facilities – namely the creation of an athletic turf field complex.
The school, located at 301 N. Fourth St., plans to finish the feasibility study and produce a final report later this month, according to Lina Tavarez, executive director of communications for the Diocese of Allentown.
Tavarez responded to questions from LehighValleyNews.com via email.
The goal of the feasibility study, which began in June, is to assess the school community’s “willingness and capacity to move forward with a capital fundraising endeavor” to complete multiple proposed projects, according to a news release on the school’s website.
Ruotolo Associates Inc., a national fundraising and public relations firm from New Jersey, has been conducting the feasibility study, which consists of personal interviews, focus groups and an online survey.
The study gauges if students, families, alumni and members of the greater community are "willing and able" to support a capital campaign, the same news release said.
“The absence of a dedicated turf complex not only impedes the development of our sports teams but also poses safety concerns due to the inadequate condition of existing facilities.”Allentown Central Catholic High School statement
Specifically, the study will assess the strengths and weaknesses of the school and its leadership, support for the proposed projects, willingness to donate and readiness to volunteer for the fundraising campaign.
The proposed projects include: an athletic facilities complex, campus upgrades, transportation additions and an academic funding initiative. Tavarez said ACCHS has not yet determined how much money needs to be raised for completion of those projects.
The main project priority for the school is creating a turf field as it “will benefit the greatest number of sports,” Tavarez said.
“Currently, our athletic facilities face significant limitations, hindering the optimal performance and training opportunities for our student athletes and extracurriculars,” the school said in a statement on its website. “The absence of a dedicated turf complex not only impedes the development of our sports teams but also poses safety concerns due to the inadequate condition of existing facilities.”
Location not identified
The school will work to acquire over 20 acres for a new turf field and athletic complex for ACCHS, according to the same statement; Tavarez said there is currently no definite location for the turf field complex.
It will include a synthetic multi-purpose field, bleacher seating for 200 to 400 spectators and a training and storage facility. Additionally, the proposed complex will have restrooms, a press box, lights and a scoreboard.
Additional proposed athletic facilities include a track, jump pit, throwing area, tennis courts and baseball/softball practice fields.
Rockne Hall, scholarships
Other proposed construction projects for the school's campus include auditorium and building renovations, as well as a fan and cooling system for Rockne Hall, the school’s gymnasium. There are also proposed parking and transportation improvements.
For academics, Central Catholic proposes fundraising for scholarships and to retain and attract teachers.
With the upcoming completion of the feasibility study, the school will begin a three-phase process for completing the proposed projects, Tavarez said. The first phase will include working to obtain permits and clearances, as well as working with a contractor.
ACCHS had its last capital campaign in the early 1990s to connect the school’s three separate buildings, Tavarez said.
Central Catholic’s last major renovations included improvements to its science labs, cafeteria and gym area.
