Funding from the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority’s St. Charles district will finance the improvements slated for completion in Fall 2024.
Pueblo School District 60 (D60) and the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority (PURA) announced today that the City’s most iconic athletic facility is slated to receive $5.2 million in improvements that will breathe new life and longevity into this hub of community activity.
Through a partnership between D60 and PURA, Dutch Clark Stadium will benefit from two phases of renovations and improvements funded through $5.2 million in tax incremental financing generated from PURA’s St. Charles Urban Renewal district.
Phase one of the project includes site improvements that promote safety and accessibility. The facilities expansive parking lot will be regraded and repaved to better accommodate the thousands of vehicles that use it throughout the year. In addition, sidewalks will be installed around the perimeter of the parking lot, and lighting will be positioned for added illumination at evening events.
Stadium stairs will be reconditioned and textured to provide easier mobility and a retaining wall will be constructed to stabilize the lower road that leads to the main locker rooms. To welcome visitors to the improved stadium, an entry feature will be included. The total cost of phase one enhancements is $3.4 million.
In Phase two, renovations and upgrades to the press boxes, home and visitor locker rooms, office and storage areas will be implemented to ensure exemplary facilities for announcers, athletes, and faculty members. All public restrooms located throughout the stadium will undergo a facelift to enhance spectator experience. The total cost of this work is projected at $1.8 million.
Northstar Engineering, a Pueblo consulting firm, has completed civil design documents for restoration of the parking area, architectural drawings for the remodel of existing buildings are being prepared by F&D International, and the site restoration contract has been awarded to the local branch of Martin Marietta. Work is slated to begin in April 2023, with an anticipated completion by Fall 2024.
“We are proud to facilitate this renovation to Pueblo’s classic stadium. Dutch Clark Stadium has been an important place for countless historic events in this town and deserves this needed attention,” said Jerry Pacheco, PURA Executive Director.
In conjunction with these improvements, D60 is launching a new logo for Dutch Clark Stadium that comes at this time of enhancement. The logo is designed to reflect the storied past of the Stadium that was established in 1950. The centerpiece of the logo is a rendering of a photo taken in 1934 of NFL legend and Central graduate Dutch Clark’s profile, as featured in LIFE Magazine. A nod to the stadium skyline is reflected in his classic leather helmet, and the blue and gold colors represent the dependability and values of Pueblo School District 60.
“At the beginning of next school year, not only are we unveiling five brand new schools, but we are also making major enhancements to our stadium over the next two years that patrons will begin to enjoy by the next football season. PURA is doing wonderful things in our community, and we are thrilled to be a beneficiary in this case.” said District 60, Director of Communications, Dalton Sprouse.