Oneida County & MVCC Partnership Provides Trades Experience

Students Working on Murnane Field Improvements

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced a partnership with Mohawk Valley Community College that will provide carpentry and masonry students with valuable hands-on experience making improvements at Donovan Stadium at Murnane Field.

“With all of the growth that is occurring throughout Oneida County right now, this type of mutually beneficial relationship gives these students the chance to prepare to take advantage of the multiple opportunities that will be presenting themselves in the form of major construction projects,” Picente said. “And it gives us the added benefit of saving our taxpayers money while making vital improvements to a county facility that is an integral part of our community. This is exactly the kind of creative partnership that continues to move this county forward.”

This week, 20 students from MVCC’s carpentry and masonry program began laying the framing for concrete sidewalks within Murnane Field’s grounds. That work is expected to be completed in November, but the students will continue to work on other projects at the stadium over the next several semesters, including tile work, upgrading the existing dugouts and building an enclosed batting cage.

Students in the one-year certificate program receive applied training in myriad construction trades techniques including foundation work, flatwork, brick work, block work, rough framing, and roofing, window and door installation.

“MVCC is fortunate to be able to partner on this great project,” said MVCC President Randall VanWagoner. “It’s a unique opportunity for MVCC students to not only learn their craft and prepare for future employment, but also to use their skills for the betterment of our community by helping to upgrade an asset like Murnane Field. This is applied learning in action and underscores MVCC’s commitment to positive community change.”

Donovan Stadium at Murnane Field is currently home to the baseball teams of MVCC, T.R. Proctor High School and the Utica Blue Sox of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. It also hosts multiple baseball tournaments, the most recent of which was the American Legion Junior Tournament in July.

“This stadium is a tremendous asset to our community and an outstanding addition to our quality of life,” said MVCC Vice President of Community Development Frank DuRoss, who serves as a board member for the Oneida County Sports Facility Authority. “Donovan Stadium is the first impression many young athletes and their families have of Oneida County and we at the Sports Authority take that impression very seriously. That is why we are investing in upgrading the facility and this partnership is a perfect way to do just that.”