District marks completion of modernization project that transforms historic North Ward athletic venue into state-of-the-art facility
NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools officials, students, staff, alumni, community members, and project partners gathered Friday morning to celebrate the reopening of Newark Schools Stadium following a sweeping renovation project that transformed the historic North Ward athletic complex into a state-of-the-art facility for students and the community.
The ribbon cutting ceremony at the stadium marked the completion of extensive upgrades that included the installation of new field turf, a new softball field, running track, long jump and throwing facilities, upgraded lighting and sound systems, new scoreboards and football uprights, drainage and masonry improvements, asphalt resurfacing, and the addition of a canopy over the concession stand.
Originally built in 1925, Newark Schools Stadium has long served as a centerpiece for athletics and community events in Newark’s North Ward. Today’s ceremony marked the first major renovation since the stadium was rebuilt in 2011. District leaders said the project reflects Newark Public Schools’ ongoing commitment to providing students with high-quality facilities that support academics, athletics, and community pride.
“This renovation represents our continued investment in providing Newark students with facilities that match their talent, dedication, and potential,” said Superintendent León. “Just as we have done at Untermann Field for Weequahic High School and the stadium at Malcolm X Shabazz High School, we are ensuring that our students and families have access to first-class athletic spaces that foster school pride, support student-athletes, and strengthen community connections.”
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council praised the collaborative effort behind the project and the district’s commitment to upgrading facilities throughout the city.
“This stadium is an athletic venue, and a gathering place for all our students, families, alumni, especially those in North Ward community,” Council said. “Today’s ribbon cutting ceremony demonstrates Newark Public Schools’ commitment to creating environments where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”
Barringer High School Principal Natasha Pared said the renovated facility will have a lasting impact on students and the broader school community.
“Our students deserve facilities that inspire them to pursue excellence,” Pared said. “This beautiful stadium will serve as a source of pride for Barringer High School and for the entire North Ward community for years to come.”
The project was completed through the collaborative efforts of Newark Public Schools’ Facilities Department, Office of Athletics, school leadership, and construction and design partners.
Facilities team members who contributed to the project included Francisco Rubi, Alvin Mullins, Lashaun Johnson, Orlando Quiles, Wyatt Page, Wali Thomas, Christopher Caponegro, Dr. Tracyann Williams, and Corey Dawkins.
The project team also included General Contractor Jim Gagnon of Drill Construction; architects Chris Sala and William Slack of CTS Architects; and Newark Public Schools Office of Athletics representatives Elizabeth Aranjo and Patrick Council.
The stadium serves as Barringer High School Football’s home stadium. The first event that will be held at the newly renovated stadium will the second annual Newark Games on June 9th.