Courtesy NY Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center celebrated in May the completion of a $1.75 million project to modernize the facility’s amphitheater.
The project, funded by NY Parks 2020 initiative to rejuvenate the state park system, renovated the amphitheater’s aging balcony ramps and lighting with an elegant and safe entryway.
The projects were completed in time for the summer concert season, which began Memorial Day weekend.
“SPAC enjoys the privilege of a home in the middle of one of New York state’s most beautiful parks … SPAC will continue to be an unparalleled cultural destination for the city, the region and the nation for decades to come,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of SPAC.
The amphitheater’s original railing system was in poor condition and no longer code compliant. The new railing system was unveiled showcasing a contemporary aesthetic that better integrates with the amphitheater façade, which was upgraded in 2012 with funds donated by Bill and Susan Dake.
The new project replaced the original rusting steel railing systems on four balcony ramps with modern, code-compliant systems; updated the signature globe lights with high-efficiency LEDs, while also adding new handrail-mounted lighting to better illuminate the surface of the ramps; installed separate dimmer circuits for ramp surface lighting and globe lighting to provide greater control to the SPAC staff, allowing for reduced light pollution of the night skies while maintaining safe egress; sealed the surface of the concrete ramps with a waterproof and slip-resistant coating, and upgraded drainage systems to improve resiliency of the lawn during wet conditions and preserve grass.
“Through our strong partnership with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Spa State Park is time-honored destination for arts and culture,” State Parks Acting Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said.
At SPAC’s annual meeting that preceded a ceremony at the amphitheater, Sobol and Saratoga-Capital Region Director of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Alane Ball Chinian announced plans to transform the current temporary concessions and restrooms area.
The new structures will accommodate SPAC’s growing community engagement and educational programming. It will also feature new and expanded restroom facilities. The project is slated to begin demolition in fall of 2019 and is scheduled to be completed in advance of the 2020 season.
Chinian also announced that the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has increased security and safety measures in and around the venue in advance of its 2019 season. To update the facility and improve emergency exits, two gates adjacent to the Roosevelt Bath House have been replaced and expanded. In addition, a new gate is being installed at the southeast side of the venue between the Hall of Springs and Roosevelt Spa buildings. These improvements will allow guests to exit the grounds more efficiently in case of emergency.
“I am thrilled to see the Saratoga Performing Arts Center Amphitheater improvement project completed in time for the 2019 summer season. This project will ensure the safety of SPAC patrons, while maintaining the historic character of the iconic amphitheater’s architecture,” Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said.
“SPAC is not only a regional cultural destination, it is a national treasure, with world class arts in one of New York state’s most beautiful parks,” Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly said.
At the meeting, Sobol discussed SPAC’s plans for Freihofer’s Jazz Fest Friday, a community initiative to welcome locals and visitors with scores of live jazz events, themed dining, social dancing and more, to be held in venues across the city as the kick-off to the festival weekend on Friday, June 28, held in sonjunction with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
“In the business community, our partnership with the Saratoga County Chamber continues to deepen. This year we will bring back the very successful Freihofer’s Jazz Fest Friday initiative, intended to promote our vibrant restaurants, bars and hotels to ticket buyers and to celebrate Saratoga as the great jazz city that it is,” she said.
As part of SPAC’s vision to spur economic development by promoting Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region as a thriving arts community and international cultural destination, it has partnered with cultural institutions, Skidmore College, Opera Saratoga, Caffè Lena and the National Museum of Dance in addition to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, Saratoga Springs City Center Authority and the city of Saratoga Springs for a multi-media marketing campaign.
This initiative, made possible by a $195,000 REDC grant, is slated to launch in 2020, and is expected to continue in future years to come.