Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

May 14, 2008

Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
Dan Keefe
518.486.1868

Exterior Renovations Debut at Saratoga Performing Arts Center

State park system's $132 million initiative moving ahead;
Peerless Pool, Little Theatre will also be refurbished

A $2.5 million rehabilitation slated for the exterior of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center will help ensure the magical amphitheater remains the leading summertime cultural venue in the region. The upgrades to SPAC are among several improvement projects taking shape in Saratoga Spa State Park under a $132 million plan to jumpstart the revitalization of New York state parks and historic sites. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and local community leaders unveiled the new SPAC design at a news conference at the park on Wednesday.

"A first-class parks system provides families with the opportunity for healthy recreation, protects the state's unique natural resources, and attracts residents, tourists, and private investment to communities around our state," said Governor David A. Paterson. "The investment in Saratoga Spa State Park and others across the state will enable state parks to continue nourishing the quality of life in New York State, while preserving and improving important economic assets."

"The resort-like atmosphere of Saratoga Spa State Park helps make Saratoga Springs a popular destination, but we must invest in the renewal of the park's elegance," said Carol Ash, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "The renovations and improvements in store will ensure SPAC and Saratoga Spa continue to be part of the distinctive mix of attractions that draw visitors near and far to Saratoga Springs. In addition, the improvements include several 'green' elements to protect our environment."

The rehabilitation plan for SPAC calls for the removal of 43-year-old badly deteriorated brown wooden exterior siding, which will be replaced with a new wave pattern façade constructed with recycled paper and sustainable forest products. Existing railings and globe lights will be replaced with a new railing system with clear panels and an integrated fiber-optic lighting system, which will help reduce energy consumption, darken nighttime skies, and minimize the appearance of the structures. The stage house and bridges will be repainted and new emergency lighting and sound systems will be installed in the lawn area.

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said, "When this project is complete, we will have been able to remake SPAC inside and out, to improve the facility's appearance, convenience and comfort for artists and patrons. The SPAC renovations, combined with other park improvements, will ensure that Saratoga State Park continues to be a prime destination for tourists and Capital Region residents to enjoy. I want to thank Marcia White and Bill Dake for their leadership of SPAC and Governor Paterson and Commissioner Ash for their support of this beautiful park."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "The Assembly is committed to the revitalization of our state parks, which provide much needed recreational opportunities for working families and play a major role in New York's thriving tourism industry. Investing in Saratoga Spa - and other great parks across New York - will enhance the quality of life and prosperity of the entire state."

Marcia White, Executive Director of SPAC, said, "Equally important as the changes we've made in SPAC's marketing and programming over the past three years have been the ongoing renovations to our facilities. The latest plans for Phase III - the transformation of the Amphitheatre's exterior - are the most striking yet. The modern, environmentally-friendly design that will become the new face of SPAC will send the right message: that this is a venue moving confidently into the future. I am grateful to our partners in government: Governor Paterson, Commissioner Ash and Speaker Silver for this latest investment in SPAC and to Senate Majority Leader Bruno who has been instrumental in SPAC's renovations since the very beginning."

William P. Dake, Chairman of SPAC's Board, said, "Its lovely park setting and exceptional facilities are among the rich assets that distinguish SPAC from other venues and contribute to the magical 'SPAC Experience.' New York State's investment of nearly $7 million for renovations since 2005 - including the latest funding for Phase III - will help SPAC remain a beautiful showcase for world-class performing art and position it for a strong, vibrant future."

The work is expected to begin this October, after the summer's events have closed, and be completed by May, 2009 before the new season begins.

This will be the third phase of SPAC's rehabilitation. Previous improvements included new, more comfortable seating and other improvements to the amphitheater's interior as well as a new roof, backstage improvements and renovations to the entrance area.

SPAC is the summer home to the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra and hosts a number of large-scale popular music concerts.

In April, Governor Paterson and the Legislature approved a state budget that advances a $132 million capital improvement spending plan for New York's 178 state parks and 35 historic sites - making the single largest capital investment in the history of the state park system. The infusion will enable the state to begin addressing the extensive capital needs of the parks system - needs that have been estimated at approximately $650 million.

In addition to the SPAC rehabilitation, other projects at the top of Saratoga Spa's priority list include:

• $1.5 million to renovate six comfort stations in the park's picnic areas;
• $625,000 to repair and resurface roadways and parking areas;
• $263,000 for bike and pedestrian improvements;
• $169,000 to repair deteriorated paint and concrete at the Peerless Pool; and
• $147,000 for asbestos removal at the Spa Little Theater.

Each year, more than 55 million people visit New York State parks and historic sites, making them a key component of the tourism industry. A 2007 survey indicated that nearly 80 percent of park visitors participate in dining, shopping, or recreational activities outside the park during a park visit.

Saratoga Spa State Park, distinguished by its classical architecture and listed as a National Historic Landmark, attracts 1.7 million patrons annually for its diverse cultural, aesthetic and recreational resources. In addition to the nationally-known Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Spa Little Theater, the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa and the Lincoln mineral baths, the park offers a multitude of traditional recreation opportunities.

The Peerless Pool Complex consists of a main pool with a zero-depth entry, separate slide pool with a 19-foot double slide and a children's wading pool. The smaller Victoria Pool is surrounded by arched promenades. The park has two beautiful golf courses - complete with pro shop and restaurant, tennis courts, ball fields, picnic areas, shady streamside trails, and certified running courses. Winter activities include cross-country skiing on approximately 12 miles of trails, ice skating, and ice hockey.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers 178 parks and 35 state historic sites. For more information about state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com.

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