Cantine Family

In the late 1800s, Cantine Field was known as the Town Driving Park and owned by the Cantine Family, who allowed the use of their property for recreational purposes.

At that time there was a combination baseball and football field, one other field and a small amount of open space.  In the 1930s, the WPA (Works Progress Administration), a publicly funded program to put the unemployed to work, built an elevated grandstand for spectator seating.  Restrooms, showers, and storage were accommodated below the seating area.

The baseball and football field were completely reversed and today, they are the Complex’s main baseball field (Cantine Field, # 11, a.k.a. Lorenz Field).  Two additional fields were soon added.  The project was completed late in 1937.

On May 8, 1938, Martin Cantine contributed a sizeable amount of funding and donated the property, consisting of 31 acres to the Town of Saugerties.  At that time it was renamed Cantine Field.

From that point on, a pavilion was built, which still stands today as the "Small Pavilion".  Other projects were tennis Courts, a basketball court, and 2 additional fields, one of which was where the Frank D. Greco Memorial Senior Citizen Recreation Center is today.

Knaust Family and Jack Keely

In the early 1970s, the Knaust estate donated 39 acres of land, immediately adjacent to the existing field, to the Town of Saugerties.  Stipulations were for recreational purposes and the donation of the property was done in honor and memory of all Saugerties veterans of all military branches.

Shortly thereafter, in the mid 1970s through the dedicated and driving efforts of the late Jack Keeley a $99,000 grant was received through the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, under the Land, Water, and Conservation Fund.  As part of this grant, the Town was mandated to match the amount.

A very short time thereafter, in a unique and bizarre scenario, again through Mr. Keeley’s motivation, commitment, and relentless drive, the Town received another $99,000 through a combination of Federal and State Public Works Grants, and that money was allowed to be used as the Town’s match of the Palisades Grant.  To the best of our knowledge, including those familiar with grants, this was indeed very unique and truly a first.

As a result of these two grants, six additional ball fields were constructed, including two lighted fields.  An existing field was also lighted, as were the tennis courts.  Additional construction included the large pavilion with a kitchenette, the Senior Citizen’s Multi Use Recreation Center, playgrounds, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, roadways, parking areas, and indoor and outdoor shuffleboard courts, along with many other recreational amenities.

Upon the completion and dedication of these projects, the combined area was renamed the Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex, in keeping with the wishes of the Knaust Estate and in preserving the memory and generosity of Martin Cantine and family.

1980s Cantine Field Growth, including Soccer Fields

As the 1980s progressed so did the evolution of the Cantine Veterans Complex, through the combined efforts of volunteers, civic organizations, businesses, and the Town of Saugerties.  The organizations that made use of the complex, such as the Little League, Babe Ruth teams, American Legion teams, Saugerties Athletic Association (S.A.A.) teams and others constructed dugouts, spectator bleachers, concession areas and press box buildings.  These groups purchased in full the professional infield mix, which is on all eleven ball fields.  Further, the Kiwanis Club constructed a Bandstand.  Many other improvements were added.

At the same time this was occurring soccer was beginning to grow nationally, and since all the lands had been developed, eventually four ball fields were converted to Soccer fields each year in late August.

Vernon Benjamin Administration Further Expands Cantine Field ... Small World Playground Added

In 1990, with no room left for expansion, the late Vernon Benjamin’s administration began the process or purchasing 67 additional acres immediately to the north of the Complex.  The purchase was completed near the end of 1991.

The following year a professional firm produced a long term master plan.  Once again through the same combination of entities working together, development began to escalate, along with the escalation of volunteers, contributors, and Town commitments.  Over $65,000 was raised for Small World Playground.  Soccer fields were constructed one by one.  Further, the U.S. Army Reserves constructed a large parking area for overflow and special events.

Kiwanis Ice Arena

In 1998, the dream of an Olympic size refrigerated ice rink in Saugerties became a reality when the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties purchased Dasher Boards, Refrigeration Matting, and a Zamboni.  A short time thereafter a used chiller, along with other refrigeration components was purchased.  In the fall of 1999, the Kiwanis Club donated the equipment to the Town of Saugerties.

At present, the Facility has evolved into a state of the art, fully enclosed Olympic size refrigerated skating rink.  Over the past six years an attached structure was added, which accommodates seven locker rooms, restrooms, a full service concession, and a Pro Shop. Additionally, skate rentals, elevated heated spectator seating, and public changing areas were added.  Further, used components were replaced with new state of the art high-energy efficient equipment.

This accomplishment has been a unique and amazing story involving community support, spirited volunteerism working continually with the Parks Department, along with local and state government backing through funding, grants and incentives.  Further donations and contributions by the Kiwanis Club, other organizations, businesses, and individuals since the beginning totals over $300,000.  Revenues from user fees total over $750,000.

Today, as these revenue avenues increase, the Facility continues to evolve with improvements in the services provided and the many amenities associated with an Ice arena.  This is all carefully planned and carried out dictated by those revenues.

Trails Added

In 2004, as part of an Eagle Scout project, the first phase of some walking/hiking trails was completed on an expansive ridge on the westerly portion of the property acquired in 1991.  Several vistas have elevations that allow for spectacular views of the Catskills to the west and the Berkshire range to the east, along with overlooking the entire complex.

Pickleball Courts Latest Major Addition

And in another example of Cantine Field's caretakers and the community adapting to the public's sports preferences, as pickleball began to become a fast-trending sport in the early 2020s, Saugerties adjusted once again.  Thanks to the Town Board, some dedicated pickleball aficionados a $100,000 ARPA Grant from the County and many good-hearted business owners in Saugerties who helped out with their time and equipment, 4 pickleball courts swung into operation, next to the tennis courts, in 2023.

Events and Festivals Add to Cantine Field's History and Legacy

The Complex has proudly played host to many prestigious events and festivals such as:

• New York State Special Olympics
• Ulster 300, a Musical Celebration
• The Great German–American Tercentennial
• Ulster County Special Olympics
• Alpo Frisbee Dog Competition
• Babe Ruth State Championship Tournaments
• Babe Ruth Mid Atlantic Championship Tournament
• American Legion Regional and State Finals

and many other events.

The complex has played host to the New York Mets Baseball Academy, Antique Auto Show, Fourth of July Celebration and Carnival, Library Book Fair, AYSO Soccer Camp, High School Wrestling Camp, High School Graduation, American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Ulster Fillies Girls Fast Pitch Tournament, numerous High School and College sectional, regional, and state tournaments and competition.  Additionally, many Little League, Babe Ruth and other All Star Games and Tournaments are held at Cantine Memorial Complex.

The facilities at the Complex are the “home fields” to the Saugerties Sawyers High School baseball, softball, tennis, and soccer teams.  Boys and girls in the Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Modified Sports Programs are accommodated.  Further, Ulster County Community College uses the site as their alternate “home field” for the Senators baseball, softball, and soccer games.

Additionally, every year on the last full weekend in September (or first full weekend in October) the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival™ takes place.  This is the largest festival of its kind east of the Rocky Mountains.  Traditionally, 45,000 – 50,000 people attend the two-day event.

Town

• Glasco Little League Complex: Ballfields, Open Areas (Open March - November)
• Glasco Mini-Park: Riverfront, Boat Launching, Picnic Area
• Bigelow Park, Malden: Basketball Court, Playground (Open March - November)
• George J. Terpening Malden Mini-Park: Riverfront, Boat Launching, Picnic Area
• Mount Marion Park: Basketball court, picnic area, a pavilion and a playground.  (Open March - November)
• Barclay Heights: Ballfield, Basketball, Playground (Open March - November)

Village

• Seamon Park, 5 Malden Avenue, Saugerties

For the parks above without link information, please Google the name to learn more about the park and/or its location.

FROM THE SOUTH: Take the New York State Thruway (87) to Exit 20 "Saugerties" which is near mile marker 100. Off of the exit and thru toll booths, make a right turn onto Route 212, which also becomes Ulster Avenue over the railroad tracks, go straight for 0.9 miles until the road goes either left or right. This is Market Street.  Make a left turn and go straight for 0.5 miles through heavy residential area and then you will come to a large open expanse of area which is the Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex (Large sign at entrance adjacent to flagpole). Make a right turn, at this point, onto Bob Moser Drive. You are now in the Complex.

FROM THE NORTH: Take the New York State Thruway (87) to Exit 20 "Saugerties" which is near mile marker 101. Off of the exit and thru the toll booths, make a left turn onto Route 32 for 0.2 miles to traffic light, make a left turn onto Route 212, which also becomes Ulster Avenue over the railroad tracks, go straight for 1.1 miles until the road goes either to the left or right. This is Market Street.  Make a left turn and go straight for 0.5 miles through heavy residential area and then you will come to a large open expanse of area which is the Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex (Large sign at entrance adjacent to flagpole). Make a right turn, at this point, onto Bob Moser Drive. You are now in the Complex.

TO DEPARTMENT OFFICE: Once in the Complex on Bob Moser Drive, proceed to the "T" in roadway at Moser and Pavilion. Take Pavilion Street straight past Court Drive. Once you past the last ball field on the left, there will be a large green structure on the left. Department Office is on the near side of this Building as you drive up.

TO KIWANIS ICE ARENA: Once in the Complex on Bob Moser Drive, proceed to the "T" in roadway at Moser and Pavilion. Take Pavilion Street straight past Court Drive. Once you past the last ball field on the left, the roadway narrows and becomes Small World Avenue. Continue on Small World Avenue past the Soccer Complex to the Ice Arena.

TO LARGE PAVILION AND CONFERENCE CENTER:  Once in the Complex on Bob Moser Drive, take the first left onto Pavilion Street to the first structure, on your right, just past the playground.

TO FRANK D. GRECO MEMORIAL SENIOR CITIZEN MULTI-PURPOSE CENTER: Just before you reach Bob Moser Drive, off of Market Street, on your right is a large structure gray in color which is the Multi-Purpose Center.