Editor’s note: This press release and picture were provided by Westchester County. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

(Mount Vernon, New York) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer and City of Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard cut the ribbon on the long-awaited newly-improved Memorial Field in Mount Vernon.

Latimer said: “I want this project to be a symbol of real change within the City of Mount Vernon. A symbol that shows that what seems impossible is possible if government can put ego aside and work together. I graduated from High School on this field, and I look forward to working with Mayor Patterson-Howard as we watch the next generation of Mount Vernon’s leaders make their own memories on this field.”

The new Memorial Field Complex, with a total project cost of $40 million dollars, will be co-managed until the end of the year by the County and the City. Procedures for booking the field are still being developed. The City of Mount Vernon fully owns Memorial Field.

Patterson-Howard said: “Memorial Field has been the heart and soul of the City of Mount Vernon for a very long time.  It is the crossroads of our community and one of the landmarks that connect us all because it helps to knit, tie, and bind us together through its history and now through its future. This partnership of trust with Westchester County symbolizes progress at its best and I am thankful for County Executive George Latimer and the entire executive team for your diligence and tenacity to see us to the completion of this project and for hosting todays ribbon cutting. I would also like to thank our County Board of Legislators, former elected officials, community partners, and everyone who has contributed to this process and for understanding just how much the new Memorial Field will mean to the economic development, public health, pride, moral and community cohesion of the City of Mount Vernon.”

Memorial Field has been a community destination in Mount Vernon for over 90 years, hosting some of the most memorable events in the City’s – and County’s – history. From countless graduations and sporting events to iconic Coca-Cola commercials with “Mean” Joe Greene to James Brown and Jackson 5 concerts, the new Stadium will return this gathering space to its rightful place of glory.

Board of Legislators Chairwoman Catherine Borgia said: “It is humbling to know that a park such as Memorial Field, with its history, is reopening for the first time in fifteen years. Rebuilding a space where youth activities and sports can be celebrated and cheered, will provide a return-on-investment that is not measured in dollars.”

New York State Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow said: “Today is a joyous occasion – and one that is a long time coming. I am proud of the collaboration of the County, City and State on making the dream of a new Memorial Field a reality. County Executive Latimer and Mayor Patterson Howard have shown just what can happen when working for the people is given the importance it deserves. I look forward to taking part in future games, concerts and momentous celebrations in this new community home for our City.”

Westchester County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels said: “Reopening Memorial Field, the crown jewel of our city, has been a dream that is finally coming to fruition. Efforts to rehabilitate this field have been going on for nearly as long as I have been alive. I thank County Executive Latimer, Deputy County Executive Jenkins, my colleagues on the Board of Legislators and all the staff involved that helped to make this happen. Because of this collaborative effort, generations of student-athletes will be able to play out their glory days at this wonderful facility.”

Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo said: “I am ecstatic that the children of Mount Vernon and Westchester will benefit from this state-of-the-art complex that will allow them opportunity to thrive in athletics. The new Memorial Field will bring a whole new level of pride to Mount Vernon, just in time to kick off the football season.”

City of Mount Vernon Comptroller Darren M. Morton said: “The Mount Vernon community has long awaited the reopening of Memorial Field. This is an exciting time for us.  It will serve as a designation place…a place to enjoy sports, building community and everlasting memories. I am grateful for the partnership with the County to make this vision a reality.”

Mount Vernon City Council President Dereck Thomspon said: “The body of the council is very excited about memorial field’s reopening – it’s long overdue, and we cannot wait for our residents to enjoy it once again. Our diamond has finally been refined.”

The new Stadium is equipped with 3,900 seats, lighted field equipped for Football, Soccer, Lacrosse and Field Hockey, an 8-lane track, a sound system capable of handling major concerts or events, 3 tennis courts and a skate park. The project utilized MWBE contracts and created nearly 400 labor jobs.

The project was completed by the LandTek Group with design completed by Woodard & Curran.

The LandTek Group, Inc., established in 1979 by President and CEO Mike Ryan, is a specialized site contractor highly qualified in design, construction and maintenance of athletic facilities throughout the east coast. With hubs in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida, LandTek provides a turnkey solution. The vast portfolio of satisfied LandTek customers provides testimony to the company’s capabilities. The LandTek Group is headquartered at 105 Sweeneydale Ave. Bay Shore, Long Island, New York. For more information, please visit www.LandTekGroup.com or call (631) 691-2381.

The LandTek Group, Inc COO John Sulinski said: “LandTek is proud to be the general contractor tasked with the rebuilding of Memorial Field. It has been a rewarding experience to work with Westchester County and the City of Mount Vernon.  Our project team and vast athletic field design and construction knowledge assisted in completing this modern stadium complex.  It’s extremely gratifying to see an iconic location such as Memorial Field renovated to become a premier athletic facility showcase that the surrounding community will utilize for many years.”

LandTek VP of Public Relations Marty Lyons said: “It’s great to be a part of the LandTek team that built a field and a complex that all the athletes of Mount Vernon can enjoy and learn the core values they will need to be successful in life.”

Woodard & Curran is an integrated science, engineering, design-build, and operations company specializing in community development, water and environmental projects. The firm has a simple vision: healthy communities, clean water, safe environment, happy people. Woodard & Curran serves clients in New York from its office in Rye Brook and nationwide with its 1,200 employees across 29 offices and more than 50 operations sites.

Woodard & Curran Senior Principal Anthony C. Catalano PE BCEE said: “The opening of this impressive, new complex known as Memorial Field represents the completion of a long journey and an ambitious vision for the City Mount Vernon and Westchester County. The project design is the culmination of a true partnership with the Woodard & Curran design team, Westchester County, and the City of Mount Vernon. Woodard & Curran is proud to have been part of the redevelopment of Memorial Field dating all the way back to 2008. Under the George Latimer administration, a path was established to realize a thoughtful vision that puts the Mount Vernon community and residents of Westchester County first. The Woodard & Curran design, in partnership with our building architects Fuller & D’Angelo, strikes the right balance of preserving the historical significance of Memorial Field, while providing residents with modern amenities and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Memorial Field facility will be a valued community resource for many years to come.”

On Saturday, September 24, the new Memorial Field will host its first Mount Vernon Knights football game since 2007.