REVERE — Given the bone-chilling temperatures that greeted state and city officials gathered at Harry Della Russo Stadium Tuesday to announce the reconstruction of the facility, there were probably a few people thinking a dome would be a nice touch.
That’s not in the cards. What is in the cards is a state-of-the-art, multi-use athletic facility and track that will rise on the site of the existing stadium, which was built in 1935.
Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard Sullivan was in Revere Tuesday to announce that the city will be receiving a $2,720,000 grant through the EEA’s Gateway Cities Parks Program to help pay for the project.
Mayor Daniel Rizzo said the new stadium and track will cost between four and five million dollars total, which means the state is picking up nearly 70 percent of the tab.
Construction is slated to begin in June of this year with the completion in May 2015, Rizzo said.
“I believe that a new, state-of-the-art facility in our downtown area will be another step toward revitalizing our central business district,” Rizzo said. “It will dramatically impact the quality and quantity of opportunities that currently exist for recreational and sports-related activities for children.”
The new stadium, once complete, will include seating for 2,250, a press box, field house, multi-purpose artificial field, running track, tennis courts and basketball courts. It will also feature Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant restrooms and locker rooms, as well as a concession area.
Sullivan said when Gov. Deval Patrick talks about making an investment in education, innovation and infrastructure; he’s talking about these kinds of projects.
“These are the ones that are very important to the quality of your life, your children’s life and they’re import to the quality of life for generations to come,” Sullivan said.
Also speaking at the event were state Treasurer Steve Grossman, Massachusetts Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo, state Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein, state Sen. Anthony Petruccelli, Revere’s manager for healthy community initiatives Kate Blackford and assistant Superintendent of Schools Diane Kelly.
“These kids in Revere deserve nothing less than what their peers in other, more affluent, cities and towns enjoy every day and that is, adequate athletic facilities to help them become stronger and more well-rounded individuals that’s going to bring them right through college,” Kelly said.
Revere High football coach Lou Ciccatelli may find his teams playing all away games at some point during the construction process, but he’s not complaining.
“This is exciting. It was a long time coming, but it’s really exciting. It’s badly needed,” Ciccatelli said.
Revere City Planner Frank Stringi said the work will be done in conjunction with the construction of the new McKinley School on the adjacent Hill Park site. When complete, the new school will have 86 parking spaces, which will help out with parking for the football stadium.
Joyce Erekson can be reached at [email protected].
