Dietz Memorial Stadium renovation work to start in spring

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Construction on an ambitious project to overhaul Dietz Memorial Stadium is set to start this spring, according to Mayor Steve Noble.

Construction drawings are complete while bidding on the project is now taking place, Noble said.

Once construction begins, the project is expected to take 14 to 16 months as part of a $20 million revamping of the stadium complex, including an already-completed renovation of the Andretta Pool. That construction included the work on the exterior of the pool house, improvements and repairs to the pool, and the addition of the splash pad.

A complete renovation of the pool house interior, which began in September, is expected to be completed this spring. Pre-construction work at the stadium such as sub-soil borings, hazardous material testing, and site clearing, began in the fall.

The site has remained open to the public for use of the track, loop road, and parking lots during the initial pre-construction phase.

"We will continue to update residents as we move forward with this major multi-million-dollar renovation project," Noble said in a statement. "This exciting project is a once-in-a-generation investment that will transform the Dietz Stadium complex into a regional draw, a modernized facility that will be the pride of our community. We ask for the public's patience during the construction phase."

Dietz Stadium renovations include:

• Exterior renovations of the grandstand, including improved disability 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, ie. water, sewer, storm, electric and communications.

• Removal of the old concession building and administration building and construction of a new 100-by-36-foot open-air pavilion with food truck hookups, concession booth, and referee locker room.

• Visitor side concession area with two restrooms.

• Expanded grass practice area with a track and field equipment storage building.

• New gated ticket booth grandstand entrance.

• Bus parking at the stadium entrance, and 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 more than 120 new trees.

The Dietz Stadium Improvements Project was kick-started with $2.5 million from the Kingston's Downtown Revitalization Initiative state award, which helped create the Dietz Stadium Master Plan and designs as well as other portions such as the Andretta Pool improvements and the installation of the new splash pad.

In addition to the initiative award, the city has also received two 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.

In 2021, Kingston Common Council gave authorization to borrow money for repairs and improvements to Dietz Memorial Stadium.

The council on unanimously approved borrowing up to $13.4 million to put toward the project. The Kingston City School District is to share in the cost.

The council also unanimously adopted a separate resolution authorizing the city to use $300,000 from the Dietz Stadium Capital Reserve Fund to help pay for the work.

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