Utica Breaks Ground On Sal Longo Field At Proctor Park

A ground breaking ceremony was held on Thursday at Utica's Thomas R. Proctor Park for the construction of Sal Longo Field.

The $2.5 million stadium-style field will feature turf-grass, lights, bleachers, a scoreboard, a sound system and press box.

The field will be a multi-purpose host for recreational sporting events.

The project was made possible by a $1 million donation from Sal Longo, the Founder and CEO of Northern Safety.

Other funding for the project included:

• Cal Ripken,Sr. Foundation: $289,000
• City of Utica: $500,000
• Funding Secured by then Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi $175,000
•  Funding Secured by Senator Joe Griffo: $275,000
•  The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties $50,000

"When the public sector and the private sector team up for the good of the people in this City, special things can happen," Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said. "This is going to be one of those special things. It enhances the quality of life for children, families and improves the City as a whole. What Sal Longo and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation has shown is that there are people who believe in us and are willing to invest in our kids."

Construction of the field has already begun and will be completed this summer