Older properties require continuous maintenance and repair. The Woodstock Youth Center, which serves children age 11 to 18 six days a week recognizes this reality. While the youth center might evoke many nostalgic memories of the 1950s or earlier, it has unfortunately been left to deteriorate, creating safety concerns and highlighting an urgent need for upgrades to it and and adjacent Andy Lee Field.
Ben Schachter, who has chaired the newly renamed Andy Lee Recreational Campus task force for the past two years, is known by many townspeople as Joshua’s son. Joshua and his wife Ellen moved to Woodstock in 1972, opening Joshua’s Restaurant. Ben was born a year later.
For Ben, life in Woodstock was idyllic and magical. Growing up in Woodstock meant being embraced by community, surrounded by multiple generations — precisely what studies show benefits seniors and children connecting together.
It is this experience that makes Ben Schachter so passionate about the importance of the vision of the task force, which is to improve the property and buildings to be an inter-generational center for children and adults.
The existing youth center has lacked maintenance. Several architects have deemed it unsalvageable.
Safety concerns have arisen from the proximity of vehicular traffic to the children’s play areas of the center. Its location off Rock City Road and the bustling community center parking lot is problematic. Also, the building’s location lacks clear sight lines to the pavilion and tennis courts, limiting adult supervision. Replacing or relocating the building would significantly enhance both safety and functionality.
For two years, Ben and a dedicated group of volunteers have actively sought and incorporated community feedback. The project’s scope has been refined to emphasize improvements. It now includes a new youth center and skate park, a dedicated senior-center addition, walking and wilderness trails, enhancements to the veterans’ memorial, expanded parking facilities, tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts, a new baseball field and additional site improvements.
Relocating the youth center will result in greater usable open space and the reclamation of currently overgrown areas.
Schachter has asked the town board to schedule a community referendum to approve a 15-year, $10.9-million bond. The referendum would provide financing for the first phase of the plan. If approved, the bond would cost an estimated $67 per year for every $100,000 of assessed property value — about $167 annually for a home with a $500,000 market value.
The task force has already raised $1.1 million. There’s additional outreach to private donors and grant opportunities. These funds will be used to support further improvements, potentially including a new community pool, a multi-use farmers’ market pavilion and other public amenities. Community involvement and additional ideas and support are welcomed.
Though there has been opposition from some residents concerned about costs or negative changes to town dynamics, Ben is optimistic. “People want their voices heard, and that’s valid, but we can’t let fear of change prevent us from moving forward,” he said. “Woodstock has always thrived on innovation and community spirit. If there’s a problem, we can’t just let it decay.”
With Ulster County’s oldest town population and a community of young families, Woodstock stands at a crossroads. The Andy Lee project represents more than infrastructure. It symbolizes a commitment to nurturing community connections essential to vibrant living.
Though the referendum date hasn’t yet been set, the conversation has begun. In true Woodstock fashion, it’s a conversation about more than buildings and budgets. It’s about defining who Woodstockers are and envisioning who they want to become.
For information about the Andy Lee Recreational Campus project or to contribute, visit FriendsofAndyLee@gmail.com .
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