Stadium Renovations Raise the Game
“This project presents an opportunity for us to build the leadership advantage that so many of us alumni remember from our days at Country Day,” said Bortz. “Now is the time for us to work together and do what we can to make this school the absolute best school in Cincinnati. We have a strong tradition of excellence – not only in academics but in athletics as well – and I cannot wait to see that play out on this field for years to come.” This $3.75-million capital project has been many years in the making. After decades of hard-fought contests, the stadium was now past its useful life and in need of replacement. This need was highlighted in community feedback gathered by local architects, MSA Design, as part of their work to develop a campus master plan in 2018-19.
Project donors and their families, plus CCDS student-athlete representatives for all turf and field sports celebrated the groundbreaking together.
C
incinnati Country Day School has officially broken ground on a stadium renovation that has been years in the making. “This is an important new chapter in the history of Country Day,” said Rob Zimmerman ‘98, turf field project committee chair and next year’s interim head of school. “When you go back to the history of our school, outdoor play and athletics are in our DNA from the very beginning. And you see that still today in everything our kids do. You see our kids find leadership and teamwork skills on the fields of play. You see the pride our parents have when their kids push themselves to new heights. You see it in the school spirit of alumni who follow teams well after graduation and keep up with former teammates. Athletics has the power of community that brings us together under one banner. With this facility, we will construct a foundation for athletics success that is commensurate with our rich tradition and our bold ambition. After today, I challenge our community to embark on a pursuit of a new golden age of Country Day athletics.” On Friday, May 14, 2021, the school hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction project that will be completed in August 2021. The project, led by John R. Jurgensen Company, includes: 12 | CONNECTIONS
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Multi-sport synthetic turf field, accommodating football, soccer, and lacrosse. Six-lane track. Home stand for more than 530 spectators, with an integrated press box. Visitor bleachers for 130 spectators. Modern LED lighting and sound system. Digital display scoreboard. Remodeled athletic entryway, incorporating seating and outdoor learning spaces. Remodeled Lower School play area, including resurfaced playground. Landscaping to replace dying trees and invasive plant species with native trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses.
“This project would not be possible without the commitment of our five lead donors – the Bortz, Cicchinelli, DiSanto, Hildebrant, and Jurgensen and Alf families – and the generous families who have since joined them to make this project a reality,” said Tony Jaccaci, head of school. “They have given one hundred percent commitment to give us this momentum. These families represent the current generation that is ready to bring our school forward into strength, and I am grateful for their vision and support.” Brian Bortz ‘87, one of the leading donors to the project, explains why he felt called to support the stadium renovation.
Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, afterschool students enjoyed the Touch-a-Truck event.
“When I think about our grass field…it was built by a generation of Country Day families in the late 80s and early 90s. And that is how a school grows – families step up and they help and support the school,” said Jaccaci. “Today is a historic day. Next year will not be a return to normal; rather we are returning to strength.”
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