KINGSTON – The Dietz Stadium complex is officially closed as reconstruction is proceeding.
Kingston Mayor Steven Noble and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Padalino were briefed on the progress at the facilities by project manager Jack Schoonmaker.
Fencing is up surrounding the work area, and the stadium complex is now a closed construction site with no public access for the duration of the construction. Site demolition is progressing: the snack shack and the brick administrative building have been demolished. The track surface has been removed. The scoreboard and field lighting have been taken down. All the interior fencing, shrubbery and overgrowth have been removed. Much of the asphalt paving has been pulled up and milled for reuse on the site.
The next item on the schedule to start is asbestos abatement of the grandstand in preparation for the interior demolition and extensive remodeling. The site contractor will also begin earthwork to create a new practice field on the visitor side of the stadium.
“We are working together to see that this project is moving forward expeditiously. It’s heartening to see all the work that is already happening, and to discuss with the construction crews their schedule moving forward,” said the mayor. “We are confident that this project is progressing in a timely and organized manner, and I know the public will be pleased with the result – this complex is going to be a valuable improvement for both the school and the entire community.”
“The District is excited to get our students back on the field they call home with all the upgrades this project will offer,” said Padalino.
Although the overall Dietz Stadium & Andretta Pool Improvements Project now has a $26 million approved budget, the actual stadium improvement portion of the project is projected at $21.5 million. That total includes $3 million in grant funding. The total amount that the school district is sharing with the city is approximately $19 million.
The Dietz Stadium improvements to renovate and modernize the stadium complex include:
- Exterior renovations of the grandstand, including improved ADA access, a 50-yard line access tunnel to the locker rooms, new benches, and press box upgrades
- Interior renovations of the grandstand, including upgrades to the restrooms, new locker rooms, new mechanical/ electrical services, coaches offices, training room, and improved storage facilities
- New track surfacing, new turf field, and new LED stadium lighting
- New scoreboard with large screen broadcasting
- All new underground utilities: water, sewer, storm, electric & communications
- Removal of the old concession building and admin building and construction of a new 100’ x 36’ open-air pavilion with food truck hook-ups, concession booth, and referee locker room
- Visitor side concession area with two restrooms
- Expanded grassed practice area with a track & field equipment storage building
- New gated ticket booth grandstand entrance
- Bus parking at stadium entrance, new parking lots with green infrastructure
- Improved access loop road and sidewalks around the stadium
- Two-way access/egress to Hurley Avenue as well as Joys Lane
- Relocated basketball court with benches and lighting
- Pedestrian access/egress walk to Joys Lane near Kingstone Insurance
- New stadium perimeter fencing
- Improved Wi-Fi and security cameras
- Landscaping, including 120+ new trees
The Dietz Stadium Improvements Project was kick-started with $2.5 million from the City of Kingston’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative award which helped create the Dietz Stadium Master Plan and designs as well as portions of Phase 1, such as the Andretta Pool Improvements and the installation of a new splash pad. The City of Kingston has also received two New York State grants for green infrastructure improvements to the parking lot and surrounding drive, $1.5 million from the Environmental Facilities Corporation and $1 million from the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Regular updates will be posted at https://engagekingston.com/dietz-stadium-improvements.
