Dignitaries, park district staffers and contractors dig in to start improvements at La Sierra Community Center on Engle Road.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Two projects with a combined cost of almost $3.5 million are set to transform the former school property nostalgically called “Camelot” by La Sierra High alumni.

Officials and contractors recently broke ground for building and field improvements at the old Engle Road campus. Enabled by voter approval of Measure G, the projects are scheduled for completion this winter. Although La Sierra projects will be completed by winter, activity on new turf will not resume until 2026.)

The 2022 ballot initiative achieved almost $32 million for cash-strapped Carmichael Recreation and Park District. Thirteen reserves and park facilities will benefit.  These include La Sierra Community Center and athletic fields that have hosted youth sports since the baby-booming 1950s.

Resolutions mark the start of improvements at La Sierra Community Center. Officials from left include Josh Gumacal, (from Congressman Ami Bera’s office); Senator Roger Niello; Carmichael Recreation and Park District Advisory Board Chair Chris Ives; Carmichael Recreation and Park District Administrator Stacey Yankie; former Administrator Mike Blondino, Kendra Johnson (from Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond’s office) and Mark Callum (from Assemblyman Josh Hoover’s office).

La Sierra High was shuttered in 1983, due to Carmichael's declining student population. Carmichael Recreation and Park District then acquired the campus for community use. The center has since become a hub for recreation, art and education. The California Montessori Project and school occupies classrooms; Sacramento Fine Arts Center provides exhibition and tuition space. The Chautauqua Theater has staged plays for more than 50 years.

The old school auditorium now functions as a town hall and accommodates many community fundraisers. Sports fields seasonally thunder with Little League and soccer players. In July, the entire campus is lit by the community’s Red, White and Blue Celebration of the United State’s independence. 

“Today, we break ground on a new chapter for these treasured spaces,” said Chris Ives, who chairs the Carmichael Park District Advisory Board. “The project reflects (Carmichael Recreation and Park District's) commitment to high quality and inclusive outdoor spaces.”

Athletic fields will have new drainage, irrigation and sod. Concrete paths will allow all-weather access.

La Sierra High alumnus and historian, the late Tony Asaro, and contemporaries considered their school a “Camelot” for Carmichael youth. Asaro is pictured at a 2019 student reunion.

Upgrades for the 70-year-old school buildings will include new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and canopy roofing.

“Behind-the scenes improvements might not be as visible as a new field,” Ives said. “But they’re just as essential in keeping this campus ready to meet the growing needs of our community.”

The late historian Tony Asaro, a former La Sierra student, teacher and veteran advocate; described the school as a Camelot for Carmichael youth.

“It was the center for our education, our romances, our sport and our lives,” said the alumnus. “We looked up to our teachers and our nation and learned to be good citizens, here. We’re glad La Sierra is still a jewel for the community.”

Carmichael Recreation and Park District Advisory Board Chair Ives echoed alumni nostalgia.

“This place has touched many lives,” Ives said. “It’s important we continue to honor its legacy.”