New Hope-Solebury Breaks Ground On $2.5M Asplundh Stadium

NEW HOPE, PA —In what district leaders called "a historic moment," New Hope-Solebury broke ground on May 1 on its highly-anticipated Asplundh Stadium project.

The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place on the site of the future field house, marked a significant milestone for the district, culminating a dream two decades in the making.

The ceremony was attended by local leaders, teachers and administrators, student-athletes, project donors, and the many volunteers who dedicated their time to bringing the stadium to fruition.

New Hope-Solebury Superintendent Dr. Charles Lentz opened the program, sharing his excitement and pride in the realization of the long-awaited stadium. His remarks highlighted the project's significance and implications beyond athletics.

"I envision much more than a place for sports and events," he said. "I see a place where our students can shine, strengthen bonds, and feel woven into the fabric of our community.”

Dr. Lentz also expressed gratitude for the stadium’s sponsors and donors, with emphasis on the catalyst contribution from Carl Hj. Asplundh Jr., whose leading donation made the project possible.

New Hope-Solebury groundbreaking ceremony celebratory dig. From left are Pop-Pop Heath Sr.; Director of District Operations Scott Radaszkiewicz; Brendan McCusker, Constituent Advocate for Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick; Shannon Sticker, Deputy Chief of Staff for Senator Steve Santarsiero; Nan Nagg, Director of the Robert Nagg Memorial Fund; Linda Brinker, Constituent Services Advisor for Representative Tim Brennan; Superintendent Dr. Charles Lentz; School Board President Judeth Finn; New Hope Mayor Larry Keller; Solebury Township Supervisor Mark Baum-Baicker; and New Hope Borough Council President Ken Maisel. (New Hope-Solebury School District)

New Hope-Solebury student-athletes participate with a second ceremonial dig. From left to right: Colin Foster, Luca Tersigni, Sam Morrin, Chris Weisbrot, Skylar High, Madie Thistlewaite, Ava Cozza, and Arya Heble. (New Hope-Solebury School District)

Philanthropic funds totaling approximately $1.2 million have been raised, with additional matching funds from the district, bringing the estimated project cost to $2.5 million.

New Hope-Solebury High School Principal Patrick Sasse echoed the sentiments of Dr. Lentz, thanking those who supported the project and emphasizing the transformative impact the stadium will have on the student experience.

“As educators … we often think about learning beyond the classroom setting and opportunities we can provide to inspire them, motivate them, and build character," he said. "Having a stadium for the first time offers new possibilities in our efforts to achieve this.”

Local political representatives, including New Hope Mayor Larry Keller and representatives from the offices of Representative Tim Brennan, Senator Steve Santarsiero, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick also shared remarks, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project's success.

Following the speeches, local and school leadership and those with exceptional investment in the project performed the ceremonial ground-breaking, signifying the official commencement of the stadium’s construction. Student-athletes representing various school teams then followed with a second symbolic dig.

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.

The stadium will feature a new field house with a fully-equipped concessions area, team rooms, public restrooms, and a breezeway overlooking the fields below. The complex will also introduce additional bleachers, a new sound system, and a press box, named after longstanding athletics contributor Pop-Pop Heath, Sr.

The upgrades aim to create facilities better aligned with those offered by neighboring districts and to significantly enhance the overall experience for student-athletes, fans, and spectators.

Construction is slated to begin this month with completion expected in fall 2025.

(New Hope-Solebury School District)