News Summary

Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, has officially opened its new Track and Turf Field, enhancing its athletic facilities for current students and future recruits. After nearly a year of construction, the facility is set to benefit track, soccer, and other sports programs. Director of Campus Safety assures improved parking. With exciting developments ahead, the campus community eagerly anticipates the enhancements this facility will bring to its athletic programs.

Exciting News for Marist College: New Track and Turf Field Finally Opens!

In the charming city of Poughkeepsie, New York, the buzz around Marist College is palpable as the long-awaited Marist Track and Turf Field has officially opened its doors for athletic use. After nearly a year of construction, the old North Field site has transformed into a vibrant hub for student athletes, and the excitement is contagious!

Construction Challenges and Triumphs

Construction kicked off just as the last fall semester wrapped up and continued through both the spring and summer months. It was no small feat, especially considering the impacts on surrounding parking lots. The community had to endure some parking inconveniences, but with patience and a little cooperation, it’s clear that all of that waiting was definitely worth it!

With the new facilities now up and running, the track and field athletes no longer have to trek to Vassar College, which is a solid five miles away. Ever since 2008, that was their practice home. Before that, they were crisscrossing the local area, practicing at various high schools, including Spackenkill, Poughkeepsie, and Arlington High Schools. That’s a lot of driving, and we all know that competing in events is tough enough without adding in the commute!

A Boost for Recruitment and Sport Programs

The new track and field facility isn’t just a welcome change for current athletes; it’s also a significant boost for recruiting new talent to Marist College. Potential students looking into cross-country and track programs will definitely be impressed by what the college has to offer now. It’s a shiny new feature that says, “Hey, we care about athletics here!”

Alongside the track, the brand-new turf field is already seeing action from not just the track and field teams but also the men’s and women’s soccer teams. They have been taking advantage of the turf for summer practices, and the prospect of hosting additional outdoor intramural sports is also on the horizon. It’s turning into a truly multi-functional athletic space that promises a lot of experiences!

Excitement from the Coaching Staff

For Pete Colaizzo, the Director of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field, this new facility is nothing short of a dream. Having been with Marist since 1991, his excitement is palpable. The facilities are expected to take the program to new heights, and Colaizzo has expressed that the track feels almost “surreal,” a sentiment echoed by many in the Marist community!

Parking and Safety Improvements

While some may be a bit concerned about parking, the good news is that the upper and lower hoop parking lots have reopened for students. However, it’s worth noting that the lower hoop lot lost 46 parking spots due to construction, while the upper hoop lot lost 16 spots due to a redesign. But fear not! The newly redesigned parking area is reported to be safer and is expected to reduce minor vehicle accidents significantly.

Director of Campus Safety shared that these improvements make for a more secure driving and parking experience on campus, which is good news for all Marist students.

Looking Towards the Future

As the stands are still undergoing construction, there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air. Once the stands are finished, the experience of watching games and events here is sure to be invigorating, with more space for fans to cheer on their teams.

As Marist College welcomes the new Track and Turf Field, the future for its sports teams looks brighter than ever. Athletes and fans alike have something to look forward to, and it seems like the excitement is just getting started!

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