INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROJECT

Chester voters approve proposed interscholastic athletics facility capital project

Dec 16 2025

The Chester Union Free School District is excited to announce that voters approved the Interscholastic Athletic Facility Capital Project on December 16, 2025. The project was approved by a vote of 415-154, pending certification by the Board of Education. This approval marks an historic milestone for the district and community.

The next steps are to begin tree felling, which will take place from January through March 2026. Final project design will be submitted to NYSED with expected bidding scheduled for the fall of 2026.

Following a comprehensive two-year feasibility study and extensive community engagement through forums and presentations, the community voted to move forward with this transformative project that will serve students, families, and the broader Chester community for generations to come.

The modern, multi-purpose athletic facility will be built on approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land received from the Town of Chester, adjacent to Chester Academy and Chester Elementary School on Hambletonian Avenue. The facility will include a multipurpose synthetic field, an eight-lane track, grandstand seating with a press box, field house and additional amenities.

This project directly supports the Chester Union Free School District’s 2025-2026 Goals & Objectives in three critical areas:

It advances student learning and opportunity by expanding physical education instruction district-wide and offering career-connected learning opportunities in athletic training, sports management, event operations, and media production.
It strengthens communication and collaboration by creating a welcoming, inclusive space where all students can engage as players, performers, or spectators, while serving as a venue for school-wide and community gatherings that reinforce Chester pride and unity.
It enhances facilities for safety, efficiency, and student success. The project creates a secure single point of entry and brings existing sports programs to a new on-site facility, eliminating the need for off-campus locations and reducing transportation and rental costs.

“This project underscores our dedication to empowering every student to reach their highest potential, while celebrating and strengthening the pride that unites our schools and the Chester community,” Superintendent Catherine O’Hara said. “On behalf of the Board of Education, we extend our gratitude to the many individuals whose efforts contributed to this outcome, including our administration, teachers and staff, students, parents, and community members. From participation in community panels to thoughtful dialogue and the creation of the district video, this collaborative engagement reflects the pride that defines Chester.”

We are investing in our students, strengthening our community, and building Chester’s future together.

“Once again, we appreciate your vote of confidence in us and this project and look forward to sharing updates as the work progresses," Ms. O'Hara said.

Student Voices, Our Why: Hear from Our Students and Staff

November 5 BOE Meeting Presentations

Capital Project: Proposed Interscholastic Athletics Facility

Project Overview

Chester Pride Community Wide.

Following a two-year feasibility study, we are taking the next step in planning for a proposed Interscholastic Athletics Facility. This modern, multi-purpose space will provide opportunities for students through athletics, wellness programs, physical education, and school events.

It will also serve as a safe, central location for families to gather and connect, reflecting the pride we share in Chester and our commitment to empowering every student to reach their highest potential. More information will be shared in the months ahead, with opportunities for community input and engagement.

The facility will be built on approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land received from the Town of Chester, adjacent to Chester Academy and Chester Elementary School on Hambletonian Avenue. The facility will serve as a home field for all Chester Hambletonians to enjoy: our students, their families, and our neighbors in the community

This project underscores our dedication to empowering every student to reach their highest potential, while celebrating and strengthening the pride that unites our schools and the Chester community.

The image below is a rendering of the proposed athletics facility, with many of its main features labelled. Click to enlarge

engineers rendering of proposed athletic field, labelled with legend

The image below shows where the athletics facility will be located in relation to district buildings and existing facilities. Click to enlarge

engineers rendering shows location of proposed field in relation to other school facilities

Check back on this page regularly, as information will be updated.

Contact Information

Use the following email to submit questions or suggestions about the proposed Interscholastic Athletics Facility Capital Project. Questions not already answered will be added to our FAQ page. Please review the FAQ page to see if your question has already been addressed.

interscholastic-athletic-project@chesterufsd.org

Catherine O'Hara
Superintendent of Schools

Matthew DeRosa
Director of Facilities

Nicole DeSousa
Assistant Superintendent of Business

Project Details

Scope of Work

The project consists of a modern, multi-purpose athletic facility designed to serve students, families, and the community year-round. Features will be informed by community engagement and input, with careful consideration to balance quality, functionality, and cost. Planned elements at this time include:

Multi-purpose athletic field situated within an eight-lane, high-quality competition track.

Dedicated event areas for steeplechase, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, and high jump, built to meet competitive standards.

Field house with team locker rooms, public restrooms, secure storage, and a dedicated space for team meetings and half-time strategy sessions.

Grandstand and/or bleacher seating for spectators.

Press box to support game-day operations, media coverage, and event coordination.

Concession stand to serve spectators and enhance the game-day experience.

Professional-grade lighting, scoreboard, PA, and sound system to support both daytime and evening events.

Perimeter fencing designed to enhance safety, security, and controlled access for athletes, spectators, and staff.

Athletics Facility Advisory Panel

An Advisory Panel will be formed with representatives from the CUFSD Parent Advisory Panel, Athletics Panel, residents adjacent to the site, and local community groups to ensure stakeholder input throughout the communication process. This will be followed by community forums open to all residents, as well as presentations, and regular updates to this dedicated webpage.

More information on engagement opportunities related to this project will be shared as they are available.

How the Facility Supports CUFSD Goals

Welcoming & Inclusive Learning Environment – Creates a safe, fully accessible space for athletic and community events, ensuring all students, whether they participate in sports or not, can engage as players, performers, or spectators. Brings existing sports such as football, track and field, and other interscholastic athletic programs to a new on-site facility, eliminating the need to use off-campus locations. Offers a venue for school-wide gatherings, ceremonies and events, reinforcing Chester pride and unity for students, families, and community members.

Innovative, Data-Driven Instruction – Expands physical education instruction district-wide by providing a safe, modern space for fitness training, wellness activities, and skill development in a variety of sports, supporting curriculum goals at every grade level. Offers career-connected learning opportunities in athletic training, sports management, event operations, and media production, benefiting student-athletes and non-athletes alike.

Collaborative Communication & Engagement – Fosters a strong partnership between the district, families, and the community in bringing a shared vision for Chester’s future to life. Through the Advisory Panel, community forums, and surveys, stakeholders will have a voice in the process leading up to the referendum. Designed to host athletic competitions, school events, and community gatherings, the complex will expand opportunities for students and further strengthen the Chester community as a place to live, learn, and invest in the future.

Proactive Safety & Facilities Management – Shifts athletics to a district-owned property, eliminating reliance on off-campus facilities. This ensures more consistent scheduling, reduces costs, and allows us to design for long-term durability, safety, and security. Offering an interscholastic athletic facility on-site for the first time will elevate the district’s profile and can contribute to increased property values, showcasing to others the strength and vitality that already define Chester as a vibrant and connected community.

Effective Budgetary Planning & Continuous Improvement – Developed through a two-year feasibility study, environmental review, architectural design, and detailed financial analysis. The district believes that the project will maximize value by building a multi-use complex that serves all students, supports community use, and has the potential to positively influence enrollment as families seek schools with strong academic, extracurricular, and athletic offerings.

Why This Matters for All Students and the Community

While this complex will directly benefit student-athletes, it will also create meaningful opportunities for every student through physical education, wellness programs, school events, and community activities. Families will have a central, safe, and accessible location for gatherings, celebrations, and performances. Hosting athletic competitions and community events on-site will boost school spirit, foster stronger connections, and provide economic and social benefits for Chester.