DRI Dietz Stadium & Andretta Pool Improvements

Working with engineering consultants CPL, the City has begun Phase 1 of a multi-phased, comprehensive restoration of its major sports complex. The Dietz/Andretta complex is the Kingston City School District's home field for football, track, the marching band, and special activities such as the annual high school graduation ceremony.

Residents and community groups also regularly use the facilities for swimming, walking, and a wide variety of other events.

Originally built in the 1940's, the main stadium is in dire need of structural repairs and upgrades, as is the Andretta Pool facility, which was added to the complex in the 1970's.

This important project has been kick-started with $2.5 million from the $10 million DRI award the City won in 2017. This initial funding will cover the costs of a full master plan and designs as well as construction of some elements identified in the plan. Construction of the remaining elements will continue in the future as the City secures additional funding.

The master plan will include improvements to the pool and pool house (including installation of a new splash pad!), scoreboard, bleachers, water fountains, fencing and gates, sound and Wi-Fi systems, lighting, bike racks, locker rooms, bathrooms, food vending, signage, parking and more.

In addition to the DRI award, the City 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. Parking lot designs will begin when the City's contracts with the funding agencies are executed, possibly this summer or early fall.

To date, CPL has completed the designs for Phases 1A and 1B for the pool and pool house, which cover a new roof, masonry and pool lining repairs, and a new pump and filter that will serve both the pool and the future splash pad (Phase 1C). Work on these two phases is under way and will be completed by July 1, 2020.

Next steps are to gather community input about the master plan and the improvements that should be made to the stadium with the remaining DRI funds. Our goal is to make the selections so that CPL can complete designs in time to begin work in spring 2021. And we'll continue to seek new grant funding to support our comprehensive improvements wish list.

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