Palo Alto High School Gym Bids Farewell

After 85 years of being a focal point for Viking pride and hosting thousands of events such as games, dances, and rallies, Palo Alto High School community members, esteemed alumni, and current students and staff will spend the afternoon of Sunday, March 16, bidding farewell to their beloved gymnasium.  Built in the late 1920’s, Paly’s gym is one of the few classic gyms still serving students in the Bay Area. 

 “We are excited to provide a chance for the community to celebrate the deep history of this iconic building as we put a festive closure on the 85 years of student life and athletic events.  At the same time, we look forward to the new sports complex which will serve the same purpose for the next several generations,” shared event coordinator Jane Gee.

The event: “Farewell Paly Gym – Celebrating 85 Years of Memories” will be an afternoon filled with campus tours, food, a vintage fashion show, a “then and now” display of classic and modern items, a memorabilia booth by the Palo Alto Historical Association, and a special program featuring well known leaders such as Palo Alto Mayor Nancy Shepherd, San Francisco 49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh, former ESPN Announcer Dave Feldman,Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, and beloved basketball coach Clem Wiser.  Display booths and tours will open to the community at 12:30 p.m. with the formal program starting at 2:30 p.m. in the Paly gym.  

Palo Alto High Principal Kim Diorio said, “The volunteer committee has done an outstanding job of gathering interesting speakers and displays that memorialize the proud legacy of our Viking Spirit while finding ways to focus us on the exciting future we will find in our new athletic complex.  I hope everyone will come out and be part of this great event.”

To see photos of the gym throughout its history, leave a note with your favorite gym memory, make a donation, and learn more about the program, please go to http://www.paly.net/event/farewell-paly-gym-celebrating-85-years-fond-memories.

This free event is open to the whole community.  Since parking is extremely limited, attendees are encouraged to carpool, walk, or bike.  Paly gear will be for sale by the Paly Sports Boosters Club including pre-sales of sections of the gymnasium’s classic wood floor.  

Donations to help cover the costs for this event are greatly appreciated.  Checks should be made payable to Palo Alto High School - Athletics and mailed to Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcadero Road,  Palo Alto, CA  94301 Attention - Lisa Stone, Farewell Paly Gym.  All donations are tax deductible and all donors will be listed in the printed program.