Bloomfield’s new 18-acre Lion Gate Park opens at last following years of delays – NorthJersey.com
After years of litigation, building and problems with contractors, Bloomfield cut the ribbon to open Lion Gate Park on Monday.
The land where the park sits was for townhouses and parking, but was acquired by the town through grants and bonds. In July 2018, the township bonded $13.3 million for the acquisition and overhaul of the property just off Lion Gate Drive. Bloomfield was awarded a $1.7 million Freshwater Wetlands Mitigation Council grant and a $3 million Passaic River Natural Resources Restoration grant, as well as money from the state’s Green Acres program.
In 2019, the Township Council fired its contractor, Tricon, after it failed to make progress on the $13.3 million project.
“Our ability to open this park is a testament to the hard work and advocacy of so many people in our community,” said Mayor Michael Venezia. “For years, we have fought to acquire this land, reduce flood risk in the area and deliver a state-of-the-art park for our residents, and that work has paid off in a spectacular way.”
EARLIER:Bloomfield ditches contractor on $13.3 million project after town says it missed deadlines
MORE:Bloomfield hires emergency contractor to prepare Lion Gate site for winter, spring
LION GATE:Bloomfield wants to borrow $13.3 million to convert 18.2 acres into a park
The park will encompass recreation facilities, a freshwater wetlands complex and a field house.
The recreation facilities include a multi-use synthetic turf for soccer, flag football, ultimate frisbee and other sports. There are bleachers for spectators, play areas for children from 2 to 12 years old, fitness stations, pedestrian and bike paths, benches, picnic areas and a drinking fountain with spigots for children, adults, water bottle filling and pets.
The freshwater wetlands complex is 4.2 acres that hydrologically connects the Third River, Spring Brook and a former floodplain. Water will be stored and slowly release up to 10 million gallons of floodwater, creating aquatic, terrestrial and riparian habitats.
The 950-square-foot field house has a garage for maintenance equipment and extra storage. It also contains restrooms, and a concession area with service windows near the sports fields and walking trails.
Councilman Nicholas Joanow said the park sets a “gold standard.”
“This is a project that is timely and places Bloomfield Township as a visionary in environmental sustainability and resilience,” Joanow said.
U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, and Essex County Commissioners Carlos Pomares and Brendan Gill joined the mayor and council for the ribbon-cutting.
Kaitlyn Kanzler covers Essex County for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: kanzler@northjersey.com
Twitter: @KaitlynKanzler8