New Hope-Solebury School District has launched a capital campaign to build its first-ever stadium complex, a dream for the school community for more than 20 years.
The campaign comes on the heels of the installation of a brand-new track and turf field last year, which has been transformative for the school’s athletic program.
“Our athletes can now practice and compete on a safe track surface comparable to those of their competitor schools. With the new turf, we’ve been able to avoid game cancellations that our former fields would have required because of drainage concerns,” said Principal Patrick Sasse. “We’ve also been drawing larger crowds to cheer for our athletes. There has been so much benefit just in what has been revitalized thus far.”
The new stadium complex will include a fieldhouse with training rooms, a press box and upgraded sound system, a concession stand and pavilion, and fully accessible restrooms. “When we first considered this project, we knew there were critical needs to address. Having restrooms that accommodate the varying needs of our families and community members is essential. Having a press box where students and coaches can safely collect game footage is critical,” said Superintendent Dr. Charles Lentz. “However, we were compelled to explore all possibilities to make this complex – one that you will only invest in once in a generation – the best it could possibly be for our students. This is where philanthropy has, and will continue to have, an incredible impact.”
The fundraising for the new stadium complex is nearing completion, with approximately $500,000 still needed. The board of school directors has committed $1.2 million in district funds to address the most critical components of the project, such as the fully accessible restrooms. These funds were outlined in the district’s 10-year facilities improvement plan. Additionally, nearly $1 million has been pledged in major philanthropic contributions to create an enclosed, cohesive structure that will be inviting for students, families, and community members to visit. The Asplundh Family Foundation is the critical partner in bringing the project to fruition and the future stadium will be named in their honor.
“This stadium has many implications for our students, both now and in the future. In our district, we deeply value student participation in extracurriculars and the dimension this brings to their educational experience,” Lentz said. “Whether it’s the athlete who is the star player on the field, or the student leading a cheer in the stands, they all have something to gain from school spirit and camaraderie.”
Last month, the district contracted architecture firm Beers and Hoffman and ELA Civil Engineering Group to create a new set of renderings for the complex, which the district will share with the public upon completion.
To learn more about the New Hope-Solebury stadium campaign and to explore opportunities to support the project, visit www.nhsd.org/stadium.
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