The new landscaping in the Arts and Sciences Courtyard was donated by Gregg Mylett in memory of his father, James P. Mylett, who passed away earlier this year. The building in the background is the new science addition, which houses biology, chemistry and physics classrooms.
Over the past three years, the inside of Rocky River High School has been renovated and new spaces created that provide students with a state-of-the-art facility in an environment that is technologically competitive on a global level. The final phase of the project now turns to the outside of the building, with the goal to create a campus environment for students and the community.
The scope of the landscaping needed to create such a campus was beyond the funds available from the 2010 Bond Issue, so a group of community leaders joined together to create the Rocky River Campus Foundation, Inc., a 501C(3) nonprofit organization. Founders and Board members of the Rocky River Campus Foundation are David W. Furry, RRHS alumnus and Executive Vice President of Northern Title Agency, Robert A. Jurs, Rocky River resident and President of GGJ Engineers and Gregg P. Mylett, RRHS alumnus and owner of Corporate United.
Rocky River Board of Education member and Facilities Committee chairman Jay Milano worked with the Campus Foundation trustees to develop a mission and has provided guidance throughout the course of the project. Mr. Milano shared that "It had always been our hope to turn the High School grounds into a true campus, a place where our faculty, students, and the community could gather and reflect. Thanks to the work of the Campus Project, that hope is now a reality."
Once organized, the Rocky River Campus Foundation leadership met with Board members and school administrators to determine the size and scope of the project. The entire Rocky River High School site was in need of work, with estimates for completing the entire project at over $300,000. The Board of Education was able to leverage $50,000 in funds and construction credits that were originally earmarked for landscaping in the construction project to help the Foundation start their work. The remainder of the funds needed to be collected through contributions of money and in-kind donations.
The Rocky River High School campus was divided into four major areas – the Arts and Sciences Courtyard, the Smokestack Courtyard, the Student Entrance (Wagar Road) and the Front Entrance (Detroit Road). Other areas identified in need of landscaping include sections along Wagar Road and Detroit Road. It is the intention of the Rocky River Campus Foundation to maintain the RRHS Campus landscaping going forward.
The Rocky River Campus Foundation kicked-off their fundraising last spring with the sale of engraved pavers. These were used for a major feature in the front entrance - a circular installation of the engraved pavers donated by parents, students, alumni and community members. Over $50,000 was collected from the sale of these pavers.
Gregg Mylett provided professional oversight and endless energy for fundraising and community outreach. Mr. Mylett personally donated the funds to complete the entire Arts and Sciences Courtyard in memory of his father, James P. Mylett, who passed away earlier this year.
Rob Jurs provided all of the necessary professional Landscape Architecture and Civil Engineering services for the project. Mr. Jurs solicited donations for the projects and worked, along with his wife and Project Landscape Architect Christine Jurs, to see the projects to completion.
David Furry performed the fiscal duties for the Campus Foundation. With Mr. Furry’s oversight, the significant task of selling and ordering the commemorative pavers was successfully completed.
Community leader and real estate agent Gloria Hardington donated the funds for landscaping the Wagar Road student entrance.
RRHS alumnus Jim Milano, owner of Milano Monuments, donated, in memory of his sister Maria, a seven-foot granite statue of the RRHS pirate, which will be installed later in the year.
The Arts and Sciences Courtyard, the Student Entrance and the Front Entrance are completed. The last areas to finish are the Smokestack Courtyard and sections along Wagar Road and Detroit Road. The Board of Education has committed the funds to remove the smokestack, which is no longer in use.
The Campus Foundation is seeking donors who are interested in funding the Smokestack Courtyard and sections along Wagar Road and Detroit Road. In addition, people can donate a tree for $500, a bench for $1,500 or a picnic table for $2,000. These items will be placed throughout the high school campus. All donations are tax deductible.
Members of the Board of the Rocky River Campus Foundation will have a table with information about the next phase of landscaping and opportunities for contributing at the RRHS Community Open House on November 4. Rocky River residents are invited to tour the building from 5-7 PM and then attend the State of the Schools update presented by Superintendent Michael G. Shoaf at 7 PM in the Commons.
To donate funds or purchase a bench, picnic table or tree please contact one of the following Board members:
Gregg Mylett: (216) 325-0407 [email protected]
Robert Jurs: (440) 953-1567 [email protected]
Dave Furry: (440) 333-8118 [email protected]