Underserved East San Jose Students Get A New Athletic Field

SAN JOSE (KCBS)— Students in an underserved East San Jose neighborhood finally have some new recreational opportunities. On Friday dedication ceremonies were held for a new $2.5 million lighted all-weather athletic field at Sheppard Middle School in Alum Rock.

With a 92 percent poverty rate, there isn't much to brag about in the community, but with the ribbon cutting of the new field, Alum Rock Union Elementary School District Superintendant Jose Manzo said it's truly a field of dreams.

"Having an amenity that our students can see that you'd typically see in the Los Altos and Palo Altos of the world, I think sends a strong message to our students and our community that we're going to invest in them as well," Manzo said.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

One of those students, 14-year-old Gabriela Valencia, said she can't wait to play on it.

"It's so exciting because I'm an athlete and we would play on such a different field with a bunch of potholes and you'd be rolling your ankles and stuff. To have a nice, safe place to play sports and just have fun; it's a nice feeling," she said.

The field which has been stripped for soccer and football is ringed by a four lane all weather track.

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