Everything Everywhere All at Once
by Les Solomon, Parker co-chair and Campus Improvement Team member
That’s exactly what Friday felt like.
Inside and out, the campus was buzzing. Folks were prepping for Sunday’s luncheon. Jim Hall was tackling repairs on the front door. Al Sutton was painting the outside columns. Dave Cosgrove and I were putting the finishing touches on Parker House.
And outside? Just as busy—one contractor installing a brand-new HVAC system at Parker, while another was repairing and expanding the gravel parking lot.
It may have looked like everything happened all at once—but Friday didn’t just happen.
What’s Been Building Behind the Scenes
1. The Parker House Transformation
For over a year, hundreds of volunteer hours—along with skilled drywall, painting, and flooring contractors—have gone into creating a new conference-style center at Parker. The space is ADA-compliant and will soon become the new home for the Friends.
With the ADA ramp, paver porch landing, and a bit of final cleanup still to go, we’re getting close—very close—to an open house and their move from Fahs!
2. HVAC: Right on Schedule (Of Course!)
Parker’s HVAC system finally gave out—right on cue. The new system will ensure comfort for years to come drawing its power from the solar panels we installed last year.
3. Parking Lot Renewal
Both gravel lots—the main lot and Parker—were already scheduled for renewal this year. As part of the work, we’ve added a few new spaces and reclaimed others that had faded away during the quieter COVID years.
All three projects were funded through our Capital Reserve Funds—outside the annual operating budget. Throughout, we’ve worked to be creative, practical, and good stewards of WUU’s resources.
What’s Next (Before the April Cluster Meeting)
Converting about one-third of the playground (≈3,000 sq ft) from a mud pit into a mulched play area. While the kids loved the mud, parents, teachers, and our cleaning team are especially happy about this change.
Addressing safety hazards across the campus
Installing updated parking signage, including one-way directions in the gravel lot
Renewing the pathway to Parker House
It’s been a full season of work—and a visible reminder of what happens when planning, persistence, and a lot of helping hands come together.