The New Hope-Solebury School District celebrated the groundbreaking of its new stadium project last Wednesday.
The ceremony marked the start of construction for a facility featuring a fieldhouse, additional seating, a modern sound system, and a press box dedicated to Pop-Pop Heath Sr., a beloved figure in local athletics.
The stadium for the New Hope-Solebury Lions is scheduled for completion in fall 2025.
The stadium will cost $2.5 million and approximately $1.2 million has been raised through donations, including a significant contribution from Carl Hj. Asplundh Jr., one of the owners of the Asplundh Tree Experts.
The rest of the funding will come from the district.
New Hope Borough Council approve preliminary and final land development for the project last December.
The new stadium will boast amenities like a fully-equipped concessions area, team rooms, public restrooms, and a breezeway offering views of the fields below.
Dr. Charles Lentz, superintendent of the New Hope-Solebury School District, shared his excitement at the groundbreaking event that was attended by local dignitaries, school staff, student-athletes, and community members.
“I envision much more than a place for sports and events. I see a place where our students can shine, strengthen bonds, and feel woven into the fabric of our community,” he said.
The program also featured remarks from New Hope-Solebury High School Principal Patrick Sasse, who highlighted the stadium’s potential to enhance student life.
“As educators, we often think about learning beyond the classroom setting and opportunities we can provide to inspire them, motivate them, and build character. Having a stadium for the first time offers new possibilities in our efforts to achieve this,” Sasse said.
Area politicians, including New Hope Borough Mayor Larry Keller, and representatives from the offices of State Rep. Tim Brennan, State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, also spoke in support of the project.
Following the speeches, the groundbreaking was performed by school leadership, major donors, student-athletes participating in a symbolic dig of the shovels.
The project has been two decades in the making.
New Hope-Solebury has had athletic facilities, but a full stadium was never completed.
The fundraising efforts included donations from corporate sponsors, a Stadium Soiree event at the River House at Odette’s, and contributions from individuals whose names will be recognized on plaques and bricks in the stadium
“New Hope-Solebury’s Asplundh Stadium project reflects the district’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for its students and community. The stadium complex will expand upon recent improvements to the school’s main athletic field with the installation of a new track and turf field completed in 2022,” a district statement said.
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