Schools

Farewell, Paly Gym! Thanks for a Great 85 Years!

Don't miss Sunday's big goodbye. 49ers Coach Harbaugh, PA mayor and vintage fashions are all on the agenda!

On Sunday, beginning at 12:30 p.m., the community will turn out for a fond farewell to Palo Alto High School's gymnasium -- being demolished to make way for a new, state-of-the-art facility.  

From Palo Alto Unified School District: 

"After 85 years of being a focal point for Viking pride and hosting thousands of events such as games, dances, and rallies, Palo Alto High School community members, esteemed alumni, and current students and staff will spend the afternoon of Sunday, March 16, bidding farewell to their beloved gymnasium.  Built in the late 1920’s, Paly’s gym is one of the few classic gyms still serving students in the Bay Area."

On the day's agenda listed on the Facebook event page, "Farewell Paly Gym":

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • 1 p.m. - 45-minute walking tours of the campus begin. 
  • Snack Shack open for hot dogs, chips and drinks.
  • Palo Alto Historical Association's display of old photos and yearbooks.
  • "Then and Now" display, including a 1930s Model A and a 2014 Tesla.
  • Vintage fashion show!
The event: “Farewell Paly Gym – Celebrating 85 Years of Memories” will also include a special program featuring such well-known leaders as Palo Alto Mayor Nancy Shepherd, San Francisco 49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh, former ESPN Announcer Dave Feldman, Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian and beloved basketball coach Clem Wiser. 

Display booths and tours will open to the community at 12:30 p.m. with the formal program starting at 2:30 p.m. in the Paly gym.

  Palo Alto High Principal Kim Diorio said, “The volunteer committee has done an outstanding job of gathering interesting speakers and displays that memorialize the proud legacy of our Viking Spirit while finding ways to focus us on the exciting future we will find in our new athletic complex.  I hope everyone will come out and be part of this great event.” 

To see photos of the gym throughout its history, leave a note with your favorite gym memory, make a donation, and learn more about the program, please go to http://www.paly.net/event/farewell-paly-gym-celebrating-85-years-fond-memories

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This free event is open to the community.  Since parking is extremely limited, attendees are encouraged to carpool, walk or bike.  Paly gear will be for sale by the Paly Sports Boosters Club, including pre-sales of sections of the gymnasium’s classic wood floor.

Donations to help cover the costs for this event are greatly appreciated.  Checks should be made payable to Palo Alto High School - Athletics, and mailed to Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcadero Road,  Palo Alto, CA  94301 Attention - Lisa Stone, Farewell Paly Gym.  

All donations are tax deductible. 

 

 




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