FAQs
(we will add to this list as we receive questions and provide any updated information as the process moves along)
Why does APYSL need our own fields?
WE ARE CONTINUALLY GRATEFUL TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ALLOW US TO USE THEIR FIELDS AND RESOURCES EACH AND EVERY YEAR... However, as our program grows we are running into scheduling limitations with our current field access. Practices at district schools cannot start until 6:30pm which limits the number and length of practices, especially in the fall. Our cleats and usage make additional wear and tear on the school fields above and beyond school teams. Travel games have been delayed on our home fields as school games run late. Field space is limited on the weekends with other community-based youth sports also needing to use school fields. Summer soccer camp options and programs are limited as some schools close in the summer for upgrades and renovations. Generally, we need the flexibility and freedom of own fields as we look to continue and grow our programming.
Are there other options than building our own fields?
Trust us, we've been looking for 15 years. We have looked at almost every available 12+ acre parcels within the school district (and some slightly outside the district). Our beautiful town is filled with rolling hills, wetlands, and acreage for sale outside our price range. If you are thinking about a piece of property (e.g., current parks, cleared land next to municipal buildings or businesses, farm land, cleared and leveled land off main roads, etc.) chances are we've inquired about it, looked at it, and ruled it out for some reason.
Why Eastern Union Turnpike?
Through a generous donation from State Assemblyman Scott Bendett and a partnership with the Town of Sand Lake, we have been able to secure a 50 year lease on this property at no cost to the league. This allows us to divert our financial resources to improving the space for use as soccer fields with a pavilion/concession stand. A dog park and a potential walking trail are also in the works for the property of 25+ acres. It will be a huge project as we look to preserve the designated wetlands while building a flat surface appropriate for fields, but with our town and community partners working with us we are confident it can be done.
What will be built?
During Phase 1, we are proposing to build a full 11v11 field on the site which can be broken down into 2- U12 fields, 4- U10 fields, and 8-U8 fields to host a variety of practices and games. We will also have a parking lot for 35-40 vehicles and a 30X30 pavilion with handicap accessible bathrooms and a concession stand.
Phase 2 may include additional field space on another flat parcel, preserving as much of the native trees and vegetation as possible.
How is the project progressing (we will update this as the project moves along)?
At the moment we have completed the wetland delineation with the help of Hart Engineering. RDM Surveying Consultants is currently working on the site plan. Once finalized, we will present the plans to the town for approval. We will let you all know when this happens so you may come to the meeting to listen or for public comment. We would appreciate the community support at this time!
What are the costs looking like?
We do not have an exact cost estimate yet as we are still in the planning phase of the project and looking for community and business sponsors. We have received estimates from a number of local excavation companies as we work through the preliminary steps of planning. Out of pocket costs could reach beyond $400,000, but we are hoping through our town and community partners we will be able to bring the cost down significantly. If you have ever tried to do this kind of work on Rensselaer County bedrock, you know what we are dealing with.
