Historic Saratoga Race Course Grandstand with its signature turreted roof
Good intentions are not enough to assure the preservation of the Race Course.
In May 2007, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation formed the Saratoga Race Course Coalition to advocate for a thoughtful, balanced approach to the preservation and modernization at the Saratoga Race Course. It is important that the Saratoga Race Course retains its essential character as the Race Course looks to the future. Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and its coalition of state and national historic preservation organizations, county and municipal government officials, thoroughbred industry professionals and local business owners advocate that a four-pronged approach be required by the Governor and Legislature in awarding the New York Racing Franchise :
Inventory: Compile a complete, updated historic resources inventory identifying all buildings and landscape features and their current condition.
Protect: Incorporate all buildings and landscaped features of historic, architectural or cultural significance into the Union Avenue local historic district.
Plan: Prepare a comprehensive facilities management plan including design standards for the Saratoga Race Course.
Oversee: Establish a formal oversight process to review all renovations, additions or demolitions at the Saratoga Race Course.
Saratoga Springs is pleased to report that significant progress had been made. Since the formation of the Coalition, the local Union Avenue historic district has been expanded to incorporate the Oklahoma Track as well as parcels along 5th Avenue and Caroline Street. In February, the Governor and State Legislature reached an agreement on resolving the future of thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs. The provisions of this agreement include: calling for an inventory of all structures and landscape attributes of the Saratoga Race Course; a review of NYRA’s capital plan by the State Historic Preservation Office; and the creation of a local advisory board made up of representatives appointed by the Mayor, County Board of Supervisors and NYRA. An announcement naming the representatives to the local advisory board is anticipated soon. Most recently, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation submitted an application for a Preserve NY grant, a program of the Preservation League of the State of New York, for funding to hire a consultant to complete a comprehensive inventory of the track.
We invite you to read more about the history and architecture at the Saratoga Race Course and to learn more about the potential threat to its preservation. Please take action by Signing On to the Saratoga Race Course Preservation Coalition.