City of Kingston, Ulster County and Kingston City School District officials announced a new partnership Tuesday to move forward with a number of upgrades at the century-old Dietz Stadium.
Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said it’s been more than 30 years since Dietz Stadium has received more than $1 million in capital improvements. With funding from a state Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant in place, the city developed an extensive renovation plan that is expected to now total $18.7 million.
Joined at a press conference by Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan and Kingston City School District Superintendent Paul Padalino, Noble announced he will request approval from the Common Council for a municipal bond package totaling $13.7 million as the city’s Grant’s Management team continues to search for additional funding opportunities and revenue sources to reduce the local share.
If approved by the Common Council, construction would begin in 2022 and last two construction seasons.
Planned improvements include a new scoreboard, grandstand repairs and upgrades, replacement of the turf field and track resurfacing, an expanded practice area, electrical upgrades, restroom and locker room upgrades, gateway improvements, press box renovation, a pre-fabricated compostable toilet building and a new concession stand. Other improvements include a relocation of the basketball court to near Andretta Pool, an extended perimeter access drive, renovations to the Andretta Pool House and power hookups for food trucks.
“I thank the residents, community groups and stakeholders who joined us for the announcement today, and to those who participated in the design process including our Project Advisory Committee who shepherded this project forward,” Noble said in a prepared statement. “Our beloved Dietz Stadium has been the site for hundreds of graduations, community events and sporting events while also providing a space for good old-fashioned fun by millions of individuals over its 100-year lifespan. The sports complex is open and accessible to everyone in our City, School District and County and has greatly benefited our local economy, but the facility is ready for a renovation. Fulfilling the master plan would ensure Dietz Stadium and the surrounding complex will be around for future generations.”
Dietz Stadium was originally built in 1921 by the Fairgrounds Company as a baseball field, then in 1937, a federal Works Progress Administration project created a running track and football field. In 1954, the municipal stadium was renamed Dietz Memorial Stadium in honor of the late Sgt. Robert H. Dietz, a WWII hero who received the Congressional Medal of Honor and lived in Kingston and graduated from Kingston High School.
For more information, please visit: https://engagekingston.com/dietz-stadium-andretta-pool-improvements
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