Bronx Community College to Receive $4 Million for Ohio Field Upgrades
New Facilities to Enhance Athletic Experience for Students and Community
Bronx Community College and borough officials announced on Monday that Ohio Field, the school’s outdoor athletic facility, will undergo major upgrades, thanks to a total of $4 million in city and state capital funding.
Transforming the Entire Facility
The project will "transform the entire baseball field, soccer field, and track," according to a press release from the City University of New York school. The transformation will include a new outdoor control booth, an electronic digital scoreboard, an upgraded sound system, and new LED field lights.
Impact on the College and Community
Interim President Milton Santiago expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "With these upgrades, our stately athletic field will be a more attractive, modernized space that will positively impact the College’s athletic program for decades into the future. We are confident this exciting project will help maximize our students’ experience — for not just student athletes, but for all students; assist with BCC recruitment and retention, and also be good for the entire Bronx community."
Construction Schedule
Construction on the renovations is projected to begin in 2027 and be completed in 12 months. BCC spokesperson Richard Ginsberg confirmed that there is a separate capital project that includes a new track with a new underground drainage system, along with a new grass soccer and baseball field, a new baseball fenced backstop, and a new fan bleacher area.
Student and Staff Reactions
BCC student athletes, such as soccer player Abdul Mohammed, have been lobbying for upgrades and expressed their excitement about the project. "This important project will have a positive impact on our athletics department for decades to come and serve as an asset to the entire Bronx community. My fellow student athletes and I are very excited for this project, which we believe will be transformative for BCC," Mohammed said.
Athletic Director Dionne Dodson also spoke highly of the upcoming field improvements, stating, "We are limited with the start time for practices and contests because we don’t have lights, and we have experienced sinkholes which caused us to change our practice and game schedule."
Funding Breakdown
The $4 million in funding will come from a combination of sources, including the City Council capital funding via the Bronx Council delegation, a $500,000 contribution from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and a matching funds from the state.
Conclusion
The Ohio Field upgrades will not only enhance the athletic experience for BCC students but also provide a world-class facility for the surrounding community. With the project set to begin in 2027, the college is expecting a significant boost to its athletic program, student recruitment and retention, and community engagement.
FAQs
Q: What is the total amount of funding for the Ohio Field upgrades?
A: $4 million
Q: Who is contributing to the funding?
A: The City Council capital funding via the Bronx Council delegation, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and the state
Q: What are the major components of the renovation project?
A: A new outdoor control booth, electronic digital scoreboard, upgraded sound system, and new LED field lights
Q: When is the construction schedule expected to begin and be completed?
A: Construction is projected to begin in 2027 and be completed in 12 months
