When aging fields no longer matched athletes’ energy, the Rondout Valley Central School District seized the chance to overhaul its entire high school sports program. As part of a $61 million capital improvement initiative, administrators envisioned a modern complex that inspires achievement, hosts regional tournaments and bolsters community pride.
Client
Rondout Valley Central School District
Location
Accord, New York
Total Project Cost
$5 M
Services
Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering
Completed
2021
Project Type
Athletic Fields
Photographer
Edward Caruso Photography
Key Contact
Lauren Tarsio
At the project’s heart was a bold transformation from a dated natural field to a high-performance, multi-sport venue built to endure. Our K–12 Practice team reimagined the site with resilient synthetic turf, an eight-lane all-weather track, LED lighting for evening play, a digital scoreboard for live event updates and a fully equipped press box to support media and coaching staff.
New grandstands with accessible seating; a spacious concessions pavilion with outdoor gathering space; and a dedicated storage and maintenance building round out the renewal, establishing a first-class destination for athletes, families and spectators throughout the region.
Community engagement was integral from the start. Through public workshops and information sessions, residents helped shape priorities and aesthetics before the bond vote, ensuring the vision reflected shared values and long-term goals. While the capital project addressed building and infrastructure upgrades districtwide, the new complex emerged as its signature investment; one that enhances tourism, supports student wellness and strengthens local identity.
More than a venue, the complex is a testament to Rondout Valley’s belief that great environments nurture great outcomes. By creating a space where competition, connection and celebration come together, the district has redefined what it means to play—and to belong—on home turf.
Southwestern Central School District Capital Improvements