Play Ball on New New Rochelle Field

A new ball field made its debut Thursday at City Park in New Rochelle.

The all-new Joseph F. Fosina Field features all-weather, synthetic turf for football, soccer and lacrosse. It was the second component of a planned athletic complex at the site.

It was named after long-time youth recreation enthusiast Joseph Fosina.

"Hopefully, you and your family are pleased with the new field," said City Parks and Recreation Commissioner William Zimmermann to Fosina.

"This is wonderful. This is wonderful," Fosina said after a brief ceremony featuring remarks by County Parks Commissioner Kathleen O'Connor, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Mayor Noam Bramson.

Fosina was impressed by the Astroturf-brand synthetic turf that was used to create the field, which seemed to mimic a grassy surface.

"I was concerned that kids might get scrapes from the turf, but this is going to be great," he said.

Zimmermann said an adjacent field is made with FieldTurf-brand synthetic turf. He said there are minimal differences between the two brands.

He said the just-completed phase of the $10 million 21-acre park cost $3 million and included the new field, some parking, lights and a new softball field.

The next phase will cost $6 million and will encompass a trail network, a new playground, a "sprayground" and a basketball court.

"This is not just an athletic facility," Zimmermann said.

An additional $800,000 will be used to renovate a 1923 building and add new public restrooms.

Zimmermann said the funding came from Westerchester County.

Bramson applauded the determination of county legislators who got the funding, including Legislator James Maisano and former legislator Vito Pinto.

"These fields and features will enhance countless lives," Bramson said. "I can't wait to see Fosina Field in full use."