Foundation donates funds to WSD for athletic field improvements

The Norman C. Danielson Foundation has donated $10,000 to the Washougal School District to improve the playing surfaces at the Danielson Soccer Fields at Jemtegaard Middle School and the baseball and softball fields at Washougal High School.

“This work has already started and will involve assessing the condition, adding soil amendments, overseeding, and fertilizing work to ensure the grass is healthy,” WSD finance director Kris Grindy said. “Depending on the needs identified, district staff may also use some of the funds to aerate and flatten the playing surface.”

The Vancouver-based charitable organization “has been a great partner with the Washougal School District for many years,” according to Les Brown, the WSD’s director of communications and technology.

“We are grateful for these community partnerships and support, which ensure that every student has the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities that connect them with caring adults in our community,” WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton said. “These opportunities help our students develop job readiness and leadership skills, including teamwork, punctuality, communication and the strong work ethic needed to be successful in future pursuits.”

The Danielson Soccer Fields were built in 2007 thanks to a donation from the foundation and in partnership with the Washougal Schools Foundation, the city of Washougal, the Camas-Washougal Soccer League and McKay Sposito Engineering.

“We are incredibly thankful for the many ways the Washougal community continues the proud tradition of support for public schools,” Templeton said. “So many wonderful Washougal organizations, including the Danielson foundation, work together to ensure every Washougal student is known, nurtured, and challenged to rise. This also includes contributions by the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club to support Family Community Resource Centers, donations in support of families in need by the Camas-Washougal Community Chest, and grants to fund classroom enrichment by the Washougal Schools Foundation, along with so many more generous community supporters.”