Lion Gate Park Is Roaring Good Addition To Bloomfield – Patch.com

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A former industrial site in Bloomfield has officially finished its transformation into parks and green space.

On Monday, Bloomfield officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Lion Gate Park, a moment that represented the culmination of nearly two decades of work to acquire the property and build a sustainable park in its place.

According to municipal officials, the 18.4-acre property was a “flood-prone, former industrial site” in which developers had attempted to build 148 town houses and 298 parking spaces. However, following years of advocacy from local residents – and ensuing litigation – the township secured the property with the aid of a range of grants from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

With land assemblage complete, construction of the wetland area and recreational elements, Lion Gate Park is no longer at-risk of flooding. The park will substantially reduce the risk and severity of flooding downstream, while working to advance Bloomfield’s compliance with New Jersey’s strict new storm water management regulations, officials said.

“Our ability to open this park is a testament to the hard work and advocacy of so many people in our community,” Mayor Michael Venezia said.

“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,” Venezia said.

Town officials pointed out three key elements of the park:

Active Recreational Facilities – “Construction of a new multi-use synthetic turf field flexibly-lined for soccer, flag football, ultimate frisbee and other team sports; spectator bleachers; play areas for children aged 2-12; separate fitness stations covering sit-ups/pull-ups/arm-walks/toe-reach; several thousand feet of pedestrian and bicycle paths finished in an all-weather surface; benches, picnic spots and a state-of-the-art drinking fountain containing spigots for kids, adults, bottle-fill and pets.”

Freshwater Wetlands Complex – “Creation of a new 4.2-acre wetland connected hydrologically to the Third River, Spring Brook and former floodplain that will store and slowly release up to ten-million gallons of floodwater while creating new aquatic, terrestrial and riparian habitat;

Field House to Support Park Operations – A field house constructed of textured masonry and synthetic wood has been located near the park entrance. This 950 square foot building contains a garage for maintenance equipment along with space for storage and access to team sports equipment such as moveable goals, cones, balls, corner flags, etc. The field house’s ADA-compliant restrooms will be available to park and field visitors. In addition, a concessions area has been designed with service windows oriented to the sports field and walking trails.”

Venezia and members of the town council were joined at Monday’s ceremony by U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, state Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo Jr., NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, Essex County Commissioners Carlos Pomares and Brendan Gill and members of the public.

“This new park reflects the many years of advocacy and commitment of our township and this project now sets the gold standard,” Bloomfield Councilman Nicholas Joanow said. “With the total support of the governing body and the community, amazing things can be accomplished.”

“I’ve seen this project take on many shapes and forms over the years, and I’m very pleased with the final outcome,” agreed Bloomfield Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Michael Sceurman.

“With this park we have created a legacy that will have a positive impact on future generations,” Sceurman said.

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