York Breaks Ground on First NCAA Level Track and Field in Southeast Queens

Today, June 26th, York College broke ground on a new track and field facility, the first and only National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) level track and field in Southeast Queens.

Today, June 26^th, 2023 York College broke ground on a new track and field facility, the first and only National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) level track and field in Southeast Queens.  “When completed, this new track and athletic field at York College will benefit all New Yorkers and keep our student athletes competitive. CUNY campuses are anchors in their communities, providing neighborhoods with libraries for learning, space for conferences and fields for exercise. No one understands our value better than our city and state leaders and I'm grateful to Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, Council speaker Adams, Queens Borough President Richards, Jr., and all elected officials for investing in our infrastructure so CUNY can stay on track for success," said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez.

 “We are excited that the new facility not only benefits York College students but the entire community too, as the space will also serve as a recreational site for Southeast Queens families, community groups, and local sports teams,” said York College President Berenecea Johnson Eanes. 

Joining the groundbreaking ceremony was Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, and representatives from NY City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ office. among other community leaders and elected officials. Students from York’s track and field teams also joined the ceremony.

“The dedication of elected officials and neighboring organizations, who worked in collaboration with the College for more than a decade to make this dream a reality, demonstrates that we are truly One York. We are thankful for the funding provided by the Office of the Queens Borough President, NYC Council, and the State of New York to make this long-awaited renovation a reality,” said President Johnson Eanes.

"York College is not just a bastion for higher education, scholarship, and athletic achievement, but also a major institution that serves the entire Southeast Queens community,” said NY City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The new NCAA-level track and field facility will benefit students, residents, local sports teams, and all community members for generations to come. I’m proud to have allocated significant funding for this important project, and the Council will continue to invest in the success of our communities. Our local athletes and students deserve a track and field worthy of their greatness, and I’m excited for them to follow in the footsteps of Dalilah Muhammad, Natasha Hastings, and many others who hail from Southeast Queens," added the Speaker.

“York College is a jewel of the CUNY system, and the construction of this new, state-of-the-art track and field will only enhance the College’s ability to offer a first-class experience to its students,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The project will also greatly benefit local residents, who have long been in dire need of more recreational facilities. I’m proud to have allocated $1 million to this effort, as our goal as a borough continues to be ensuring high-quality open space is accessible to all, regardless of ZIP code or socioeconomic status. This project will bring us closer to accomplishing that important mission,” he added.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the groundbreaking of the new track and field at York College. This momentous occasion marks a triumph for our community, providing our talented athletes with a local state-of-the-art facility to showcase their skills and inspire generations to come,” said New York City Councilmember Nantasha Williams who represents District 27 in Southeast Queens.

Slated for completion in June 2024, the $7.8 million dollar 400-meter running track facility will feature a soccer field in its center and long jump runway strips and pole-vaulting opportunities.  The new track will also enable the College to host NCAA-level events, such as championships and tournaments.

On the academic front, the new track facility will be a boon to the College’s Physical Education (PE) Teaching Majors who often select Track and Field as one of their four required sports classes. In addition, PE majors and students considering joining Track and Field as team members have an opportunity to develop and acquire the motor learning skills needed for speed, mid-distance and long distance running, long jump, high jump, hurdles, relay races, and field strength and throwing events, such as the shot put, discus, the javelin and hammer.

Contact: Vivian Todini, Director of Communications, at vtodini@york.cuny.edu