New Hope-Solebury Schools Make Athletic Improvements; Eye More

NEW HOPE, PA — After New Hope-Solebury school officials invested $1.6 million in the district’s athletic facilities with the installation of a new track and field turf, the district is looking ahead to perhaps a more expansive project that they hope will provide students with a new stadium.

The field turf and track project, which also includes the installation of new concrete walkways, should be complete this month, district officials said Tuesday. New Hope-Solebury teams have already started using the field, officials said, and the school’s football, lacrosse, field hockey and track teams will use the facility in the future.

The renovations address critical safety issues with the track surface and accessibility to the field, which will also be used by the schools’ physical education classes. District officials said the work was necessary to address several concerns that existed before the project started.

“The significant improvements to our Field 2 have been a long time coming,” Kris Foulke, New Hope-Solebury’s athletic director said in a news release. “Moving forward, we won’t be forced to cancel games because of drainage issues. We won’t be concerned about student safety on the track. Spectators with disabilities will have an easier time accessing the field on our new concrete walkways. Our teams will not miss out on hosting playoff games due to field issues. These improvements were desperately needed.”

However, district officials are hoping the renovations do not signal the end of the road for improvements to the athletics facility. While other issues need to be addressed such as a better sound system, lighting that will cut down on light pollution and accessible restrooms, district officials have allocated $1.1 million for these projects, along with a facility to house audio and video equipment for live streaming of events.

The district is also looking to add to the project with the construction of an enclosed Lions Stadium project that would include training rooms, a concession stand, and a multi-purpose gathering space. Officials estimate the total cost of the stadium project would be $3.5 million. The stadium would also host other events such as graduation ceremonies, which officials say would make the addition a win-win for the district.

“This is about so much more than an athletic field,” Erik Pedersen, the high school’s assistant principal said. “This is a chance to build a symbol of school spirit and celebration for all of our students and their families to enjoy.”

Superintendent Charles Lentz said that the district is just in the beginning phases of exploring the possibilities. Lentz said that several members of the community have expressed interested in donating to the stadium project but that the district also plans to seek private donations to contribute to the final cost.

“A stadium can be a place to gather and connect in support of our students, which is deeply relevant after two years of the pandemic, school board member Deirdre Alderfer, who serves as the chair of the Facilities Committee said in a news release. “When we as a school board are presented with the chance to approach a transformative project in both a fiscally responsible, and yet also an inspirational way, we are compelled to consider all options available to us.”