New Trier to Recognize Field Project Donors

New Trier Township High School District 203 school board members voted unanimously March 19 to allow the New Trier Booster Club to install a commemorative brick walkway and gateway arch to recognize companies and individuals who donated money to help the district install synthetic turf fields.

The move marks a change in the district’s policy of allowing permanent markers to be installed in recognition of financial donations.

Earlier:

Under the proposal the Booster Club wants to send to businesses this month, corporations could donate a minimum of $1,000 to get a 4-by-8-inch brick with their name on it and be listed in the football program for one year. Increasing donations come with higher levels of recognition. A $20,000 donation, the highest level listed in the booster club proposal, would come with the donor’s name listed on a plaque on one of the pillars of the gateway arch, as well as in the football program at all home games, the sports calendar, three sports guides, scrolling on the scoreboard and announced at all home games held in the stadium. The company name would also be listed on a removable sign at Gates Gym and other Booster Club sponsored events.

In December, the school board approved a $3.3 million project to replace the natural grass in the stadium and nearby lighted practice fields on the with synthetic turf, which will allow the district to use those fields much more heavily than it does now, as well allow students to play on them in wet weather.

The booster club pledged to collect $1 million over three years to help pay for the project, which is expected to be complete by next fall.

Want more local news? Like Patch on Facebook.