Capital Project Newsletter

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.

The project consists of a modern, multi-purpose athletic facility designed to serve students, families, and the community. We incorporated community feedback from the previous proposal into this project, which now features:

• Multi-purpose turf 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 halftime strategy sessions.
• Grandstand and/or bleacher seating for up to 750 spectators, based on graduation attendance numbers.
• 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.

The Chester Commons is a Town-owned public recreation area, not a district facility. Challenges include:

• Safety and security issues specific to crowd management and open access.

• The fields are not designed for interscholastic play and present challenges with surface hardness and uneven conditions, which increases the risk of player injuries.

• The open layout and multiple access points make it extremely difficult to restrict entry during school activities, creating challenges for supervision, event management, and student safety.

• Multiple entry points and limited visibility make emergency response and crowd control difficult to manage.

The proposed facility addresses challenges by creating a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment through safety & security by design. Key features include:

• A single, secure point of entry.
• Perimeter fencing designed to enhance safety, security, and control access.
• A field house providing dedicated home and visiting team spaces, public restrooms, and secure storage.

• Paved ADA/Emergency Access Road and pedestrian path with lighting.

• Proper lighting and on-site weather shelter.

• Centralizing events on district property to enhance safety, security, and emergency preparedness.

The District’s safety plan includes the installation of lighting and emergency call stations along all pedestrian pathways leading to the facility to ensure clear visibility and rapid communication in the event of an emergency.

During evening events or times when multiple activities are occurring simultaneously, additional security personnel will be assigned — similar to current safety protocols for large school events. These measures are designed to maintain a safe and well-supervised environment for all students, families, and visitors.

The proposed facility will be developed on approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to Chester Elementary School and Chester Academy on Hambletonian Avenue. This land was acquired by the Chester UFSD from the Town of Chester.

The site’s location provides connectivity between our campuses and allows both schools to use the facility. An estimated 25% of the total project cost is offset by New York State Building Aid.

While the project site adjoins the Heritage Trail, there will be no public access to the facility from the trail to maintain security and controlled entry. However, there will be a lighted pedestrian path from the parking lot at Chester Academy and ADA/emergency access from Chester Elementary.

Facilities like this are commonly available in other school districts across the region and this project will bring those same experiences to Chester, strengthening school pride, inclusivity, and shared opportunities for all students - whether they participate in athletics, music or other programs.

As Board of Education members, our responsibility is to plan thoughtfully for the long-term needs of our students, families, and community. Over the past three years, we have worked closely with our Superintendent, administrative team, and district partners — LAN Associates, The LA Group, and Triton Construction — to study the feasibility of an on-campus Interscholastic Athletics Facility, focusing on student opportunities, safety, access, and overall community impact.

This proposal is the result of that work. From athletic events and physical education to school celebrations and community gatherings, this facility reflects the Chester Pride that unites us and our commitment to empowering every student to reach their highest potential. It also ensures that our students have access to the same high-quality opportunities and amenities available in neighboring districts.

We encourage our community to participate in the Dec. 16, 2025, vote as we plan for Chester's future together.

The District intends for the facility to be available for community use in accordance with District policy. Usage will follow established safety, scheduling, and supervision guidelines to ensure that school programs and student activities remain the top priority.

The track and field area may be used by the community for walking, fitness activities, and special events such as community celebrations, wellness initiatives, or local ceremonies.  These opportunities will allow residents to enjoy a beautiful, safe, and secure environment.