The Swinerton Foundation and La Center High School Celebrate the Completion of Climbing Tower Project Years in the Making
The Swinerton Foundation’s Adopt-a-School program at La Center High School in Washington began in 2017, when La Center High School staff approached the Foundation about a climbing tower that they wanted to build. With a Swinerton project team building the nearby ilani Casino Resort, the partnership was a natural fit for Swinerton employees to give back to the local community.
Since its inception in 2016, the climbing tower project received a tremendous outpouring of generosity and support, but also faced many challenges of funding, volunteers, and jurisdictional approval. Once The Swinerton Foundation was on board, Swinerton employees led the program, meeting with students and designers to come up with a design for the tower and reaching out to business partners to help fund the project.
Together, The Swinerton Foundation and La Center High School were able to raise nearly $85,000 in cash donations to buy materials and hire subcontractors. Swinerton, with the help of industry partners, contributed an estimated $150,000 in services to complete the work.
“Thanks to the Adopt-a-School Program, the past several years have been an exciting time for La Center High School. It has been a pleasure working with so many dedicated volunteers and donors to support our students. Watching this vision become reality has been a joy, and we are excited to use this climbing tower to help develop trust and teamwork among our students and community,” said Brian Zylstra, teacher and champion of the Adopt-A-School Program at La Center High School.
“The Swinerton Foundation’s Adopt-a-School program inspires youth to imagine, innovate, and build. After four years of dedication by Swinerton staff and La Center educators, we’ve done just that. Not only will new and current students be able to enjoy the climbing tower, but it will serve as a legacy for the students who participated in making this project a reality,” said Rachael Guerrero, The Swinerton Foundation Secretary.
Nearly five years later, the moment has finally come to celebrate the completion of the project. Complete with an inaugural climb from volunteers, a small, socially distanced event will be held on Friday, February 19 at 3:30 p.m. The event can be viewed via live stream on the district’s Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/1Zp264i7w
About The Swinerton Foundation
The Swinerton Foundation, formed in 2002, utilizes the skills of hundreds of volunteers in more than 40 communities across the United States to help build sustainable cities and neighborhoods by supporting education and development activities, workforce development programs, and community focused non-profits that help cities thrive. The Swinerton Foundation also serves as a catalyst to encourage and expand the philanthropic endeavors of Swinerton Incorporated and its affiliates’ employees. Learn more at: http://www.theswinertonfoundation.org
About Swinerton
Swinerton provides commercial construction and construction management services throughout the United States and is a 100% employee-owned company. Recognized nationally since 1888, Swinerton is the preferred builder and trusted partner in every market it serves—proudly leading with integrity, passion, and excellence. For more information please visit: https://swinerton.com/
About La Center School District
La Center, Washington is a quaint bedroom community located approximately 30 miles north of Portland, Oregon. Incorporated in 1909, La Center is situated along the East Fork of the Lewis River near the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range. The schools of La Center serve as a hub for the La Center community. The facilities are used from early morning until late at night for both student instruction and community events and activities. Our diversified learning opportunities include Advanced Placement, Running Start, the La Center Home School Academy, and award-winning music, drama and athletic programs. Learn more at: https://www.lacenterschools.org/
