The new subterranean gymnasium is a regulation size gymnasium according to French Federation of Basketball standards, and will accommodate basketball, volleyball and an array of indoor sports and international tournaments. An additional smaller gymnasium will be used for a wide range of fitness activities and will come complete with rock climbing wall and other equipment. In addition to the two gymnasiums, a fitness room, has been created to accommodate ballet, yoga and dance classes
The new science laboratory and classroom will allow for a greatly enhanced experience for students within the science and technology curriculum. Perched on the fourth floor of the Middle School building, the science facility is a state of the art teaching center enabling the school to provide a broad range of interrelated science offerings. Additional development of the science and technology program at Marymount is currently underway.
The focal point of the new additional to the campus is the “Sunken Garden”. Serving as the entryway to the sport center, the Sunken Garden, is an elegant space which will be used to host a variety of outdoor school activities and social functions. In keeping with the Catholic tradition of Marymount, the garden is enhanced by the addition of four hand carved reliefs, representing the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Marymount Sport Director Pascal Barbeau, stated, “We have needed this for a long time and we hope that parents, students, alumni and even the wider community will come to appreciate and use the center in the future.”
The construction team from Bateg has met numerous challenges in constructing the gym, not least of which is the space’s proximity to the River Seine. Joseph Rohayem, the leading architect on the project said, “The gym is quite amazing as it literally sits just above the old alluvium of the Seine!” The complex will utilize a high powered industrial pump to control water flow beneath the facility.
Headmistress of Marymount School, Sister Anne Marie Hill, RSHM, stated “This was an enormous undertaking and so many wonderful people have been involved in making it a reality. We are so pleased to see it completed!”
Marymount has been one of the best kept secrets in the Paris area since its founding by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in 1923. Development Officer Rebecca Lyne said, “I think the sport and science centers will go a long way in getting our name out there to more people in France and abroad, not to mention the corporate community whom we hope will take notice.” The Board of Directors of Marymount International School is currently considering high profile naming opportunities for the new facilities and working to partner with companies and individuals who would like to support the new project.
Marymount International School will celebrate this impressive project the weekend of October 2nd, with three days of festivities and social events. Members of the sporting community as well as special guests, dignitaries and alumni are expected to attend.
