Winnetka campus’ athletic department started its $75 million renovation last month, and demolition started this January.

Renovations are scheduled to be complete by the opening of the 2023- 2024 school year, and will include the fieldhouse, health classrooms, gyms, and a new lofted weight room.

Senior Ava Shah said she would like to see a separate turf field at each campus.

“I think a lot of sports have to always compete for field space, so it would be nice if it was a little bit separated.”

Athletic director Augie Fontanetta said there have been smaller, more maintenance updates to Winnetka’s athletic areas over the years, including new baskets, batting cages, and refreshed wood panelling.

“[The gym is] old, the spaces are very small, and so it doesn’t really quite meet the needs of our students today,” Fontanetta said.

Related Articles:

Summer construction aims to modernize facilities at Winnetka Campus

New Trier says goodbye to Gates Gym after 91 years

A history of Gates Gym

Because the Winnetka campus hosts regional meets in track and field, new facilities will provide bigger and updated spaces. There are many sporting events that go on at Winnetka, and there is a lot of change necessary in order to keep up with the needs of student athletes, according to coaches and students.

50 years ago the only athletes who lifted weights were the boys on the football team. Now, regardless of sport or gender, all athletes and their teams use the weight room. Over the The increasing popularity of strength training creates a need for more equipment.

“And now really every kid lifts and whether it’s a student in Kinetic Wellness or an athlete on our girls varsity soccer team, they all lift. So, we want to create a space that is going to be for all students,” said Fontanetta.

Senior Casey Scawroff said there is space at school that can be used to its advantage that hasn’t been utilized before.

“Our [Winnetka] field out in the back by the glass doors could use a little bit of work for lacrosse. I don’t think they get used to their full potential,” said Scawroff.

Winnetka has many students who practice and play on their facilities every day, and athletics has increasingly become more popular, one that involves more than 75% of the student population.

Fontanetta said while many will miss the old Gates gym, teams and athletes are looking forward to the new Gates.

“They’re genuinely excited for the new project and understand what it can bring to the students.”