Giving Kids their Best Shot: The Villa Gym Floor Project

Exercise and physical activity play an important role in the lives of our children. Studies show a direct correlation between activity and improved mental and behavioral health, and at the heart of the Villa campus, our gymnasium has promoted healthy choices and recreation for nearly a century.

When the gymnasium first opened in 1931, a Wurlitzer jukebox presided over weekly dance lessons and roller-skating parties. On many occasions, music was replaced by the raucous crowd at Villa basketball games, where the Villa girls–perennial favorites–won numerous state and local tournaments.

Our gymnasium remains a hub of campus activity today, welcoming more than 250 students through its doors each year, along with community partners who host after-school, evening, and weekend programming. After 92 years of wonderful memories and numerous resurfacings, the original hardwood floors have reached the end of their lifespan and are in urgent need of replacement.

How can you help?

We’re working to raise $95,000 this year to replace the floors and create a safe playing environment for our students and community members. The new high-performance flooring will also include a volleyball net system, which will give Villa students the chance to enjoy new activities while also increasing community group rental opportunities.

Your gift to the Villa Gym Floor Project will help us maintain one of our most treasured campus resources, and be a home for recreation that will benefit generations to come.

For more information about this project or making a gift, please contact P.J. Shaver at 804-553-3220 or pshaver@sjvmail.net. @st.josephs.villa