Performing arts center shows off amphitheater upgrades
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> A $1.75 million project to modernize the Saratoga Performing Arts Center amphitheater is completed in time for the summer concert season.
Officials from The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced the project’s completion and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday along with SPAC’s 2019 Annual Meeting.
The project, funded by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 initiative to rejuvenate the state park system, renovated the amphitheater’s aging balcony ramps and lighting with an elegant and safe entryway.
“SPAC enjoys the privilege of a home in the middle of one of NY State’s most beautiful parks. Thanks to the important investment by Governor Cuomo and our dynamic partnership with State Parks, SPAC will continue to be an unparalleled cultural destination for the city, the region, and the nation for decades to come,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, in a news release.
The amphitheater’s original
railing system was in poor condition and no longer code compliant, officials said.
At the meeting, the new railing system was unveiled showcasing a contemporary aesthetic that better integrates with the amphitheater facade, which was upgraded in 2012 with funds donated by Bill and Susan Dake.
The new project replaced the original rusting steel railing systems on four balcony ramps with modern, code-compliant systems; updated the signature globe lights with high-efficiency LEDs, while also adding new handrailmounted lighting to better illuminate the surface of the ramps; installed separate dimmer circuits for ramp surface lighting and globe lighting to provide greater control to the SPAC staff, allowing for reduced light pollution of the night skies while maintaining safe egress; sealed the surface of the concrete ramps with a waterproof and slipresistant coating, and upgraded drainage systems to improve resiliency of the lawn during wet conditions and preserve grass.
“Through our strong partnership with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Spa State Park is [a] time-honored destination for arts and culture,” State Parks Acting Commissioner Erik Kulleseid added. “I’m grateful to Governor Cuomo for this investment in SPAC, which helps position the park to welcome and support the arts in years to come.”
Sobol and Saratoga-Capital Region Director of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Alane Ball Chinian announced additional facility improvement plans to transform the current temporary concessions and restrooms area at Wednesday’s meeting as well.
The new, aesthetically pleasing structures will accommodate SPAC’s growing community engagement and educational programming, while creating new and expanded restroom facilities. The project is slated to begin demolition in the fall of 2019 and is scheduled to be completed in advance of the 2020 season.
Alane Ball Chinian also announced that the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has increased security and safety measures in and around the venue in advance of its 2019 season.
To update the facility and improve emergency exits, two gates adjacent to the Roosevelt Bath House have been replaced and expanded.
In addition, a new gate is being installed at the southeast side of the venue between the Hall of Springs and Roosevelt Spa buildings. These improvements will allow guests to exit the grounds more efficiently in case of an emergency.
Other announcements about SPAC’s future made at the annual meeting include collaboration with Radial Arts, formerly known as SaratogaArtsFest, and Saratoga Shakespeare Company to present “Poetry in the Pines” on July 19. The festival will feature a one-hour adaptation of The Tempest, in the Spa State Park reflecting pool, directed by Marcus Dean Fuller.
Following the successful “Out of this World Festival” in 2018, which explored the nexus of art and cosmos, Sobol shared that this season SPAC will initiate a multiyear, multi-faceted partnership with Skidmore College to examine water through the lenses of art, science, and history.
Along with fostering local artistic partnerships, SPAC will continue and expand its collaborations with the Saratoga business community through Freihofer’s Jazz Fest Friday on June 28, prior to the main festival.
As part of SPAC’s vision to spur economic development by promoting Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region as a thriving arts community and an international cultural destination, it has partnered with several area cultural institutions for a multimedia cultural tourism marketing campaign. This initiative, made possible by a $195,000 REDC grant, is slated to launch in 2020 and is expected to continue in future years to come.
Sobol also reported on new and expanded programming and educational initiatives with resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, such as the Festival of Young Artists on June 2, the recently announced Ballet in Fifth program, “Live from SPAC” orchestra broadcasts and a “Meet the Music” program created for young children.
New in 2019, SPAC will also initiate a partnership with Double H Ranch, connecting world-class artists visiting SPAC with children at Double H Ranch. This year’s featured artists include the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the National Dance Institute.