New Hope-Solebury Celebrates New Track, Turf With Ribbon-Cutting

NEW HOPE, PA — Hundreds of students and community members gathered Monday at New Hope-Solebury High School's new track and turf field, to cut the ribbon and welcome the transformative new space.

The event had previously been canceled twice due to weather, so all were excited to finally celebrate this answer to critical facilities concerns facing the school’s athletics department.

“Our previous track was first installed in 2004 and cracks in its surface were reaching the point of posing a safety hazard for our athletes," Athletic Director and Trainer Kris Foulke said. "We also were met with ongoing drainage concerns that ultimately caused many athletic competitions to be canceled. We have already noticed the difference with significant rain this spring, the turf has helped prevent several game cancellations."

Students of all ages joined the celebration, including younger, aspiring middle and elementary school athletes. The Student Government also led the high school in creating a “white-out” in their attire.

“It was wonderful to see how many students turned out for the event," principal Patrick Sasse reflected. "They demonstrated tremendous school spirit and had such a positive energy. I think it shows how much this means to them that they now have a field they can be proud to compete on.”

Representatives of the varsity teams that utilize the track and turf field joined with Superintendent Dr. Charles Lentz, Board of School Directors’ President Judeth Finn, Sasse, and Foulke to cut the celebratory ribbon during halftime of the Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse game against Plymouth Whitemarsh.

Several special guests also marked the occasion with a pair of scissors, including State Senator Steve Santarsiero, State Representative Wendi Thomas, and New Hope Mayor Larry Keller.

"Most importantly, we want our campus to be a place where students are inspired to learn and to achieve, and this new track and turf are already proving to advance this goal," Lentz said. "There is still more to come, and we look forward to further improvements and to enhancing the student experience even more.”

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