Goal! From Parking Lot to Soccer Field at Nahed Chapman New American Academy

In early 2016, Peter Tao of Tao + Lee Associates, Inc., approached Cole’s Jim Roth, PE, to discuss providing Civil Design consultation on a soccer field installation for a local school. This preliminary discussion became a multi-team project that transformed a pothole riddled piece of asphalt into a professional quality soccer field for the 320 students of Nahed Chapman New American Academy (NCNAA).

Cole provided survey and site planning services, along with storm water management design to direct water away from the synthetic turf field. Cole’s Jim Roth, PE, and Stan Fowler, EIT, donated their time and engineering expertise to this necessary project, and Tom Reynolds and Chad Weber provided survey services.

“No words can capture the feeling of seeing the students of NCNAA enjoy themselves on an improved playing surface and shelter and of being a part of a team that provided children who are grateful for what they have with experiences that they will cherish.” – Stan Fowler, EIT, Cole

The project team included professionals from Construction Forum STL, DG @ Design, Engraphix, PHL Inc., Millstone Weber, St. Louis Mosaic Project, St. Louis Public Schools, Tao + Lee & Associates, and Washington University in St. Louis.

The St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club provided additional support by donating tickets to a St. Louis Football Club match earlier this year for a group of NCNAA students. Two St. Louis FC players also attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and challenged the students to a scrimmage on the new soccer field.

Involvement in the project also included participation in the Gateway Welcome Project’s stirring committee, whose aim is to make the St. Louis metropolitan area a welcoming place for foreign-born immigrants and refugees and their families.

The Nahed Chapman New American Academy’s International Welcome School opened in 2009 to create a safe and nurturing school environment for immigrant students and war refugees, many of whom struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. To learn more about the school and its mission, please visit: www.slps.org/NCNAA.

To learn more about the Gateway Welcome Project and their important work in the region, please visit: www.gatewaywelcomestl.org.