Estancia plans stadium dedication, run

Jim Scott, who helped to launch the campaign more than a decade ago to bring a stadium to Costa Mesa, spends much of his time in a wheelchair and walks only with assistance. But when the Newport-Mesa school board opens the stadium this spring with a community run, Scott’s family wants to see him on the track.

The Estancia High School stadium, the first project under the Measure F school bond, is set for dedication April 25.

The day after, the district plans to host 5K and 2K runs that finish inside the stadium, and Scott’s son, Jim Scott Jr., would like nothing better than to see his father — who suffered a stroke two years ago — take a victory lap.

“Maybe we’ll be able to put him on his little scooter and have him ride around the track,” Scott Jr. said.

When the festivities begin in April, the district can close the book on the first act of Measure F, a $282-million bond that seeks to renovate and modernize all district schools.

The stadium, housed at Estancia, will also provide a home field for Costa Mesa High.

Newport-Mesa Communications Director Laura Boss said the district planned to bus in younger students from around Costa Mesa for the opening.

“It actually will have painted on the field not only the Estancia Eagle but the Costa Mesa High Mustang,” she said. “It’s here to serve both our Costa Mesa schools.”

Online registration began recently for the Costa Mesa Community Run, which will raise funds for the foundations of Estancia and Costa Mesa high schools, and Costa Mesa and TeWinkle middle schools. Participants can register for the run by going to www.active.com and entering the 92627 ZIP code in the “Things to Do Near You!” box on the right side of the screen.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 25. The following day, registration for the community run is set to begin at 6:30 a.m., with a pancake breakfast and health fair to follow at 7:30 a.m. and the runs beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Estancia Principal Phil D’Agostino said he was proud to see the stadium open at Estancia, but saw it as an even greater day for the community.

“We’re going to send out a pretty wide net of invitations, even to local politicians and that sort of thing,” he said. “We want to make it a big event.”

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at [email protected].