Anonymous $10-million gift to fuel upgrade of New Trier stadium, secondary fields

The largest donation in New Trier High School’s history is paving the way for an expansive update of the outdoor athletic facilities at the school’s Northfield campus.

New Trier’s School Board during its Monday, April 14 meeting approved a donation agreement with the New Trier Education Foundation that will provide a “transformative gift” of nearly $10 million to the school.

The donation of just over $9.75 million was made to the foundation via an anonymous donor “who appreciates the opportunities New Trier provided to their children,” according to a press release from the educational foundation.

Official district documents detailing the donation say the donor requested to remain anonymous and that both the foundation and district will “take all reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of the donor’s identity.”

Renovations slated to take place at the Northfield campus include replacing the existing turf at the stadium and adjacent fields, converting a portion of the northern grass fields to artificial turf and removing that area’s existing track, replacing the visitor-side stadium bleachers, and removing the temporary east-side bleachers and replacing them with permanent seating.

“By completing these renovations, we will improve the existing competition, practice, and spectator facilities, creating a more welcoming, functional space for our student-athletes and families,” New Trier Athletic Director Augie Fontanetta said in the press release.

According to a memo from Chris Johnson, the district’s associate superintendent, the proposed work will be accomplished in two phases. The first phase is scheduled to begin this summer while the second will kick off in the summer of 2026, per Johnson, who added that “improvements align with the District’s long-term strategic plans and will benefit generations of students.”

Phase 1 work is slated to start in June and end in August, Johnson noted. Per a timeline detailed in Johnson’s memo, the board will then likely approve Phase 2 construction bids in January of next year with construction earmarked to start in June again.

While the renovations are largely funded by the donation, the district will also be contributing a significant sum toward the total cost.

The total estimated cost of the project is $14.2 million, meaning the district will put forward nearly approximately $4.5 million. Johnson said the district’s portion will be covered through its fiscal year 2026 and ’27 capital improvement budgets.

“This project represents a significant investment in the Northfield Campus and will benefit current and future students, families, and community members,” Johnson said.

In a 13-year span, the district, according to Johnson, has “made major improvements” to the Northfield athletics site. Those included the original installation of turf — which was done in partnership with the New Trier Booster Club — and the addition of a concession and restroom facility in 2018.

“Athletic participation continues to rise, and these enhancements will address both current needs and long-term goals,” Johnson said. “This project includes the largest donation in New Trier’s history, reflecting the deep community support for our schools and students.”

Liz Mayer, a New Trier alumna and executive director of the educational foundation, said that the donation will accelerate the district’s comprehensive facilities plan.

“We are profoundly grateful for this remarkable generosity, which will have a lasting impact on Trevians for years to come,” Mayer said.

The majority of New Trier’s outdoor athletic competitions and practices, including varsity football, boys and girls soccer, and boys and girls lacrosse, take place at the Northfield campus.

New Trier recently completed a massive rebuild of its indoor athletic facilities at the school’s Winnetka campus.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.