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Campus Facilities Frequently Asked Questions

Part I (Fall 2003) | Part II (Winter 2004)

Campus Facilities:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Part I

Q: How many floors does the Community Center have?
A: The Community Center has three levels—a first and second floor plus a mezzanine level.

Q: What spaces are included in the Community Center?
A: The Community Center's first floor includes: a social hall that seats 200 with an additional lobby area, full-service kitchen and handicapped-accessible toilet rooms; a bride's room; Information Kiosk/office; one meeting room, two rooms equipped with child-size furniture and a technology center. The multipurpose hall/gymnasium, which includes a stage and accommodates seating for up to 500 people, a warming kitchen and the youth center/meeting room are found on the second floor. The mezzanine level features a facilities administration office and a balcony that overlooks the gym. An elevator runs between the three levels.

Q: What will the interior spaces look like?
A: Given its proximity and direct access to the sanctuary, the Community Center's color scheme (paint, flooring, carpeting, etc.) will complement that of the church. In addition, an Art Subcommittee is developing recommendations for appropriate sacred objects (crosses, saints' statues, etc.) and other art that will be displayed in the Community Center. One project that is already underway is to celebrate our parish's diversity by soliciting cash gifts to purchase "Flags of the Nations" to hang from the gym rafters. Learn how you can participate in the Flag project.

Q: What hours will the Community Center be open?
A: The Parish Community Center will be open daily. Bilingual personnel will staff the "Information Kiosk," located on the Community Center's first floor. They also will be in charge of security and provide access to meeting rooms.

Q: What security and safety protocols are in place for the Community Center?
A: Safety and security are priority concerns. Personnel, who will staff the Community Center's Information Kiosk during the hours that the Center is open, are well versed in security procedures. There will be controlled access to the building, and intercoms will be installed in all Community Center meeting spaces to enable emergency and non-emergency communications with Information Kiosk personnel.

Q: When is the official opening of the new Community Center?
A: A special Mass to mark the official opening of the Parish Community Center will be celebrated on Friday, January 30, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. followed by a dedication, reception and open house. The Open House will continue after every Mass on the weekend of January 31-February 1, 2004, to provide parishioners with the opportunity to tour the Community Center.

Q: Will the hours of the Parish Office and School change?
A: Any changes to the Parish Office hours have not yet been determined. With respect to the School, in February 2004, it is proposed that all after-school activities, including the Extended Day program, be held in the Community Center to enable the school building to close at 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. The School's new weekend hours are still under review; however, it has been established that it will be available to host religious education classes on Sundays.

Q: How can my parish ministry reserve a meeting room in the Community Center, the Parish Office and/or the School?
A: The parish is developing a computerized calendaring system, which supports scheduling requests via e-mail. A reply message confirming the room reservation will be sent to the requester by Parish staff. The confirmed activity and corresponding meeting time and place will be posted on an enhanced electronic parish calendar, which will be accessible on the parish Web site (www.stcharleschurch.org). Those who do not have access to the Internet can make room reservation requests at the Community Center's Information Kiosk or via telephone or fax to the Community Center office.

Q: Can I rent the social hall and/or other Community Center/campus facilities for my wedding reception, corporate retreat or intramural sporting event?
A: First preference for the use of the Community Center and other campus facilities is accorded to parish ministry and school activities. The Campus Facilities and Oversight Committee, which is part of the parish's Stewardship Ministry, is developing "guidelines for facilities use," which will include procedures for space rental. These guidelines will be available in early 2004.

Q: Will there be a fee for facilities rental?
A: There will be no charge for the use of facilities for school and parish ministry functions. Fees for non-parish functions are still to be determined; however, information on any applicable fees will be included in the guidelines for facilities use.

Q: I have noticed evidence of construction in the chapel and the sanctuary. Are there other facilities changes underway?
A: Yes. A fire sprinkler system has been installed in the chapel and sanctuary. Three glass windows between the sanctuary and the "Upper Room" are under construction. These windows and newly-installed speakers in the Upper Room will provide a suitable environment for Mass overflow. A "bridge" from the Upper Room to the Community Center has been erected to permit handicapped access to the Upper Room. In addition, cable/wiring to connect the telecommunications systems in the Community Center and the parish and school offices will be installed soon. A local office network (LAN) has been established to link the computer systems in all buildings.

Q: What types of handicapped access are planned?
A: An elevator has been installed in the Community Center which will allow access to the gym level, the mezzanine level, the Upper Room of the church and the second floor of the school. In addition, the main doors to the Community Center (ramped from the parking lot) are designed to be handicapped accessible.

Q: What changes have occurred to the parking lot?
A: The parking lot has been repaved and re-striped.

Q: What are the plans for landscaping?
A: The landscaping subcommittee of the Parish Community Center Committee, in conjunction with MTFA Architecture, has developed a landscaping plan for the new Community Center. The group also made recommendations for the landscaping in the Gretta Creedon Meditation Garden, which will be located between the Convent and the Community Center. Sister Benedict has graciously allowed the parish to plan this garden even though it will remain mainly a private garden for Sister and her dog, Joe, for as long as she is in residence at the convent.

Q: What is the cost of the Community Center and how will it be paid?
A: The complete cost of the Community Center is $5.2 million. Two successful fund-raising campaigns ("Build the Spirit" and "Rooted in Faith ~ Forward in Hope") and a diocesan line of credit have brought about the progress achieved thus far. In the fall of 2003, the parish marked a crucial point in its building program and began repaying its diocesan loan. The loan must be repaid in monthly installments over a seven-year period.

Q: Is the parish still accepting pledges and contributions in support of the Community Center?
A: Yes. Our "Building Fund" provides parishioners with the opportunity to support the Community Center and our ongoing capital needs, including upgrades to our 50-year old church and school facilities. A "Building Fund" envelope is included in parishioners' monthly envelope packets. On the first Sunday of each month, a second collection is offered for the parish's Building Fund.

Q: I made a pledge to the Build the Spirit Capital Campaign but I am not sure how much I have paid to date. How can I obtain my pledge payment status?
A: In January 2004, you will receive a letter from the Build the Spirit Capital Campaign providing you with your pledge status as of December 31, 2003.

Q: How will Community Center contributors be recognized?
A: A "Book of Appreciation," a permanent honor roll of individuals/families who have contributed at least $100 to the Build the Spirit Capital Campaign, will be mounted in the Community Center. Special gifts made in memory of a loved one can be recognized by listing the loved one's name (in lieu of the donors) in the Book. Donations to other special funds, such as the Father Casey Memorial, will be acknowledged also. A letter to confirm each Build the Spirit donor's entry for the Book of Appreciation will be sent soon. Whether or not they wish to be listed in the Book, Build the Spirit donors are asked to respond to the letter in a timely manner.

Do you have further questions?
Send an e-mail to: council@stcharleschurch.org

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Campus Facilities:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Part II

Since the distribution of the first FAQs flyer last fall 2003, additional questions have arisen regarding the new St. Charles Parish Community Center. As a result, the Campus Facilities and Oversight Committee has developed an additional set of questions and answers (see below) related to our Parish Community Center, and in particular Benedict Hall and the Gym.

Q: When can groups begin using the center?
A: The newly formed Campus Facilities and Oversight Committee is currently creating policies and procedures for use of the center. As soon as the Certificate of Occupancy has been received and basic equipment has arrived, parish ministries may begin scheduling use of rooms in the center for March 1st and later. The Oversight Committee is also putting together a standard contract and rental rates for outside use of the center. Rentals will be scheduled after ministries have planned and scheduled activities.

Q: How are the kitchens designed?
A: There is a first floor kitchen and an additional warming kitchen on the second floor. Food prepared in the main kitchen can either be served in Benedict Hall or can be taken up to the gym in warming carts on the elevator and served from the warming kitchen for events serving a larger number of attendees. Events can also be catered.

Q: What type of sound system is planned for the gym and Benedict Hall?
A: Both the gym and Benedict Hall are wired for electrical power and microphone usage. Musicians, who usually bring speakers to the event site, can access the electrical power in the rooms. The power supply is sufficient for amplifiers, etc. At this time, though possible and planned in the construction, no built-in speakers in Benedict Hall or the gym have been installed. After the Parish Community Center is opened, a thorough assessment of sound system requirements will be made and identified equipment purchased as funds become available. In the interim, a portable speaker system is available and can be used in either Benedict Hall or the gym.

Q: Is there a projection booth in the gym?
A: No. Such equipment was not deemed necessary as the theater and show productions at elementary school level have less dependency on this type of equipment. The gym is equipped with theatrical lighting suspended above the stage. A steel cage will protect the lights from possible damage from sporting events.

Q: Will the stage have a curtain?
A: The stage allows for the installation of a front curtain and a rear wall curtain. A decision to purchase curtains will be made when funds are available.

Q: How is gym seating planned?
A: The St. Charles Parish Community Center gym, like all spaces in the new building, is designed to be multipurpose. The gym will be used not only for sporting events, but also will be used to host school plays/theater productions and social events that require capacity for more than 200 persons. Folding chairs, which can be stored when not in use, will be available for a variety of events. A limited number of folding chairs can be accommodated on the sides of the basketball court. Bleachers are not planned due to limited storage space. They also could not be folded against the walls because they would block access to closets, meeting rooms and entrances/exits. The mezzanine is also available for viewing sporting events. (The policies for use of the mezzanine will include but are not limited to parental supervision of children to prevent items from being thrown or dropped over the railing, or children climbing on the railing.)

Q: How is the gym insulated?
A: There is a double ceiling between gym and Benedict hall. In addition there is an air space for further insulation and sound absorbing connections between floors. The floor of the gym is equipped with a sound-softening polyurethane resin surface. Therefore, basketball games should have a minimal impact on any additional event that is occurring at the same time on the first level of the center.

Q: What kinds of recreation are planned for the gym?
A: Basketball and volleyball are the main sports activities planned and the gym floor will be lined for these uses. There are floor brass plates that are removable to permit insertion of volleyball net supports. There is only one volleyball court (lengthwise in the gym) as the required space behind the back line necessitates the court position. Therefore, use of the gym will be either basketball or volleyball but not both simultaneously. The gym can also be divided in half for two simultaneous events. In such a case, the baskets could be utilized for basketball practice held on one side of the gym, while the rest of the gym is used for another purpose. In addition, there are a variety of other sporting activities that could take place in the gym.

Q: How will gym use be scheduled?
A: While it is anticipated that the gym could be open for sports use during the school day, the school will have priority use for indoor recess, P.E. classes, extended day and basketball practice. It is anticipated that CYO games will take place in the gym (mainly on Saturdays) and the schedule will have to be coordinated with other uses of the gym. (The gym is a regulation-sized jr. high school size basketball court that is acceptable to CYO.)

Q: Will the gym be available for rent by Arlington County residents for community sporting events?
A: It is not envisioned that the St. Charles Parish Community Center will become an Athletic Community Center for rent by all comers in area. Priority use of the gym will be to support the social and sports needs of St. Charles Church Parish and School.

Q: Is an "open" free gym period under consideration, i.e. the gym is open from 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. on a Friday evening supervised by volunteer parents for use by neighborhood children?
A: While this is recognized as a desirable use, there has not yet been consideration to "open" the facility in such a manner. Related costs, such as liability, lighting, cleanup, etc. would have to be absorbed. At present, such "open gym" facilities are available through Arlington County.

Q: Why were movable baskets chosen rather than ceiling mounted ones?
A: The gym is a multipurpose facility for sports, theater and social events. Just as large centers like MCI Center remove baskets after a game to prepare for ice events or other shows, so will these portable baskets be removed for other events. The baskets can be set at either ten feet or eight feet for younger basketball players.

Q: Will soft drinks/beverages be allowed during sports events?
A: This policy is being developed.

Q: Where is the flag that I paid for through the bulletin flyer?
A: An Art Committee was formed to preside over decoration of the new Parish Community Center. Money to purchase flags of nations for the new gym was solicited through this Committee. Flags are now hanging along the center truss of the gym; however, not all of the flags would fit in that location. The requested flags will be purchased and will be hung when an appropriate space is identified. The Committee decided that a smaller 3' x 5' flag worked better in the space. As a result, the flags did not cost as much as was originally thought. All additional money has been put toward the purchase of banners for the Narthex, the wooden cross in the Narthex and the framed history of the parish displayed in Benedict Hall.

Q: Could the hanging cylindrical lights and vents in the gym ceiling be damaged if hit by an errant basketball throw?
A: The lights and HVAC diffuser vents are of sufficient height (above the 20 foot sports "envelope") that it should be virtually impossible for a basketball thrown by a child to hit them. However, the cylindrical lighting will move slightly on its support to absorb any impact should a ball reach that height. The large basketball illumination lights are covered with a protective wire grid. The air vents are able to withstand a slow impact of a basketball should one reach that height.

Q: What are the specifications for the gym surface?
A: The floor is made of a polyurethane resin substance soft enough to absorb some impact if children should fall but also resistant to damage by high heels. It is possible that a stiletto heel worn by a person of significant weight could cause some injury to the floor. However, the surface can be repaired by cutting out the damaged section and filling it in with semi-liquid polyurethane resin. This resin will be self-leveling. Once cured, the surface will be hard and appear "like new." The expected life is 12-15 years. The gym then can be resurfaced and last another 12-15 years. This type of floor is installed in many large gyms, such as the Naval Academy gym, which most likely takes more of a "beating" than ours will experience.

Q: What type of window has been installed in the center?
A: All windows on the perimeter of the gym (as well as on doors leading into the gym) are break resistant. On the gym level, windows are tempered glass and consistent with the type of glass used in tall buildings. They will resist impact of a basketball. They are also designed to withstand incidental force such as children falling against them. The ground floor windows, too, are of tempered glass and can withstand attempts to enter.

Q: Are window coverings planned?
A: Yes. Very effective and cosmetically- pleasing full height vertical blinds will be installed to provide protection from sun and privacy. While draperies had been considered for first floor rooms, these are more expensive and the maintenance (cleaning) is also costly.

Q: Some of the windows in the gym are covered by a light-shielding coating. Will sunlight through uncoated panes be a problem for those playing or viewing performances, etc. during the day?
A: All windows, whether color coated or clear, are UV blocking. The design of the gym is intended to permit a large amount of natural light during day. Curtains are not consistent with this design.

Q: Why are some of the rooms carpeted? Won't spilled drinks and food cause damage to the carpets?
A: The carpet is strongly stain resistant and noise resistant. In the case of the preschool rooms, the carpet will cushion the fall of a small child and reduce injury.

Q: What type of security system will protect the Parish Community Center when it is closed?
A: Both the outside doors and individual rooms will be locked when the center is not in use. When the center is open, rooms will be opened on an as-needed basis. In addition, several levels of security system protection have been discussed. A final decision has not yet been made as to the degree of sophistication that will be employed.

Q: Will there be an authorization mechanism, such as an ID card or a membership card? If so, will there be a cost associated with it?
A: The Parish Community Center is open to parishioners and ministries for a variety of uses. With the exception of fund-raising events (such as the Polka Party) no fee is associated with parish events. While various options for security/access are under consideration, individual cards are not anticipated since costs for outside use of the Parish Community Center will be based on events and not individual entry fees.

Q: Will users of Benedict Hall for social events or gym for sport or social events need to provide their own liability insurance or will St. Charles provide a liability statement in the lease/reservation contract that St Charles and the Diocese of Arlington are explicitly warranted to be not liable?
A: Just as at the present, any St. Charles sponsored events would not require liability insurance. It is anticipated that all rental contracts will include a "hold harmless" and indemnity clause and that renters will use licensed caterers and name St. Charles Parish and the Diocese of Arlington as additional insured.

Do you have further questions?
Send an e-mail to: council@stcharleschurch.org

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