DRI Dietz Stadium Improvements Project
9/14/2024 UPDATE: Dietz Stadium is now open to the public! When not in use by the Kingston City School District for athletics and band practices, the public now has access to the track and turf from 7:00am-10:00pm daily. The grandstand will be open for the first Kingston High School football game on September 20. The remaining work is in the interior of the grandstand – locker rooms and restrooms, which is expected to be wrapped up by early November.
The Dietz Stadium Project is a $20 million improvement project to renovate and modernize the stadium complex. Dietz Stadium construction drawings are now complete and the bid process is underway. Once construction begins, the project is expected to take 14-16 months.
Work has already been completed on Phase 1, which included the exterior of the Andretta Pool House, improvements and repairs to the pool, and the addition of the splash pad. As part of Phase 2, construction began in September 2022 on a complete renovation of the interior of the Andretta Pool House and is expected to be completed this spring.
The remainder of Phase 2 is focused on the stadium and its surroundings. Pre-construction work such as sub-soil borings, hazardous material testing, and site clearing began in fall 2022. The site has remained open to the public for use of the track, loop road, and parking lots during this initial pre-construction phase, but will be closed for construction.
General Project Description:
Working with engineering consultants CPL, the City began a multi-phased, comprehensive restoration of its major sports complex in spring 2020. 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 was kick-started with $2.5 million from the $10 million DRI award the City won in 2017. This initial funding is covering the costs of the 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 includes 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. which will include drainage improvements, permeable pavers, bioswales, trees and repaving, will begin in the coming months.
Click below to see the Dietz Stadium Master Plan Presentation:
A recording of the Dietz Stadium public meeting on January 19, 2021 can be watched here:
Master Plan Presentation Recording in English
Master Plan Presentation Recording in Spanish
And please offer your comments or ask questions about the Master Plan via the tabs below.
●●●