NEWBURGH – City officials in Newburgh are fed up with the condition of Delano-Hitch Stadium, field and related facilities so they are embarking on a five-year plan to modernize them.
The work will be dependent upon grant money, from the state as well as sports and private organizations.
Councilman Anthony Grice is hopeful that the upgrades can and will be accomplished.
“If we build it, they will come,” Grice said. “If we are to get this first phase going, that will be the momentum to get the other – it’s a five-phase program it will be momentum to get the other phases going. We think it will be something that gives our current residents a sense of pride, some equity and access to that area.”
City Grants Coordinator Victor Cornelius said the first grant application, for $360,000 to improve the playing fields, has been submitted to the state.
The upgrades will need more than that. Council members expressed the need for better lighting on the ball fields and cameras in the dugouts as people are doing drugs in them and using them as bathrooms.
Council members also voiced concern about continuous trash dumping in and around the complex.
City Recreation Director Derrick Stanton said he is working with a very small staff, going above and beyond the call of duty, and they cannot keep up with maintenance.
