CHARLESTON — A new John D'Amato Field will be built in Charleston after the original was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, officials said.
The $4.3 million FEMA-funded multi-sport facility and field will move from its old home in New Dorp to Fairview Park in Charleston. It is currently in the design stage, officials announced Tuesday.
During Sandy, the field's synthetic turf was pulled up and flooded with seawater and was destroyed and unsalvageable, Sen. Charles Schumer said while announcing the new facility.
Aside from destroying the turf, floodwaters from the storm brought sand and debris to the field that eventually settled into the gravel and compromised the drainage system, Schumer said.
The original field — which opened on the corner of New Dorp Lane and Cedar Grove Avenue in 2011 — was named after the college football player and lawyer John D'Amato, who died in 2007.
D'Amato, who grew up in New Dorp, practiced in the borough and advocated for New Dorp High School's law program.
"I’m so proud to announce funding to rebuild the field dedicated in remembrance of my dear friend and Msgr. Farrell classmate, John D’Amato," Rep. Dan Donovan said in a statement.
"It’s fitting to John’s memory that Staten Island athletes will enjoy a new D’Amato Field for years to come."
