Los Angeles Unified Receives Largest Donation in Recent History to Renovate Westchester Campus Fields

Los Angeles Unified Receives Largest Donation in Recent History to Renovate Westchester Campus Fields

Los Angeles, June 4, 2024 – At today’s Board meeting, Los Angeles Unified received a $5 million donation from Lulu’s Place to improve the existing softball and baseball fields on the Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets (WESM) campus. This is one of the largest donations Los Angeles Unified has ever received. The upgrades include improving the infields, dugouts, bullpens and backstops, new bleachers and signage and general infrastructure upgrades. These improvements to the softball and baseball fields at WESM are on top of a $9.2 million investment from Board Member Nick Melvoin’s office to upgrade the school’s football field and track.

“We are thrilled that Doug Kimmelman, his family foundation, and countless partners are not only spearheading the exciting Lulu’s Place project, but also investing directly into the WESM campus to further the positive impact for the Westchester community,” said Melvoin, who represents the Westchester and surrounding communities. “This is the type of partnership that will go a long way in helping our students thrive.”

Lulu’s Place, a nonprofit youth center with top-quality academic, athletic and wellness programs, will reside on 31 vacant acres across the street from WESM. The donation to improve fields at WESM aligns with their mission to make high-quality sports and educational opportunities more equitable for Los Angeles youth. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer and last two years.

“Sports play a crucial role in the development and well-being of our students,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “We are extremely grateful to Lulu’s Place for investing in the talent and experiences of our students at Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets.”

“We are delighted to help the District upgrade the softball and baseball fields on the Westchester campus to ensure students have access to the sports facilities they need and deserve,” said Doug Kimmelman, part-owner of the Miami Marlins and the driving force behind Lulu’s Place, a venture inspired by his wife Carol “Lulu” Kimmelman. “Lulu was passionate about the potential for children to learn important life lessons both in the classroom and on the playing field or tennis court. We’re honoring her legacy by bringing high quality sports and educational experiences to Lulu’s Place and the broader community so more young people can reap these benefits and get a jumpstart on their future.”

“Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets would like to express our deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation of 5 million dollars for the baseball and softball fields,” said Terri Grinner, principal at Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets. “This remarkable contribution will have a profound impact on our sports programs for hundreds of student athletes for years to come. We are truly humbled by your generosity and we are honored to have you as a Westchester partner!”

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter/X at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.

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