Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Althea Stevens and Assemblymember Landon Dais joined school officials in the auditorium of the William H. Taft Educational Campus in the Claremont section of the Bronx on June 14 to present a $5.5 million check for upgrades toward the renovation of the Jonathan Levin Field.
Shortly before the announcement, the community leaders spoke with the students about the process of the renovation project.
Dr. Darryl White, principal of the Bronx Collegiate Academy — one of the small high schools within the campus — said that they’ve been working to find funding to upgrade the field for over a decade.
“These principals up front and myself, we’ve been chasing a few dollars and working with the people who really look out for us – trying to get funding that it’ll take to do the field. This year, it was amazing,” said White.
Stevens recounted how she got involved with the athletic field renovation project. After her first budget cycle as a City Council member, she was invited by Dr. Renee Peart, the high school superintendent of Districts 7, 9 and 12, for a tour of the campus. The last stop of the tour was the field, where they were having a field day barbecue.
She asked about the field’s appearance and White and Peart explained their persistent efforts to secure funding for the field, prompting Council Member Stevens’ decision to offer her support to help them get it done.
“The fact that we have a school that has seven schools in here — over 2,500 young people — to me, this was a priority,” said Stevens. “We made this happen in less than two years, which is a big deal… we want to make sure you guys have a secure future and I need you all to understand [that] you deserve this.”
“We are investing in health and wellness, in sports, in recreation. We are building and fostering community partnerships. We are making sure that this campus has the latest technology that all of you rightfully deserve. It’s long overdue,” Gibson said in a speech to the Taft audience.
Adams also spoke about the specific upgrades that will be occurring over the next few months, and expressed her excitement in this investment.
“You are going to get new fencing, new bleachers, a new scoreboard and a batting cage for you all to enjoy. You are going to be able to relax in a space where you are going to be comfortable and proud of,” said Adams.
With these upgrades to the field, White announced that, for the first time, Taft will have a football team. Additionally, soccer, baseball and track will also be offered.
School officials are anticipating the renovation project to be completed by the fall of the upcoming school year, according to White.
