Playground For ‘All Abilities’ Grows In Bloomfield, East Orange – Patch.com

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A playground that can be used by kids of all abilities is growing in Bloomfield and East Orange.

On Tuesday, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. announced that an expansion of the all-access playground at Watsessing Park has been completed. In addition, a separate renovation of the rubberized walking track at the county-run park has also reached the finish line.

“We are continually looking for ways to improve our recreation facilities to ensure they meet the needs of the community,” DiVincenzo said.

“On behalf of the board, it is wonderful to partner with our county executive on project like this,” said county commissioners Carlos Pomares and Patricia Sebold.

“It makes me proud that we are here in Bloomfield to expand on this facility,” agreed Mayor Michael Venezia, who was joined by Bloomfield Council members Ted Gamble, Jenny Mundell and Rich Rockwell at a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Other residents from nearby towns praised the additions.

“The fact the county listened and has continued to build upon this playground is greatly appreciated by the families who lobbied for it and use it,” Montclair resident Lesley Scammell said.

According to a county news release:

“Opened in 2019, the all-access playground features apparatus that is accessible to children of all physical abilities. After the opening, residents approached the county executive with recommendations for additional play equipment. The new pieces of equipment include a swing and merry go round that accommodates children who use a wheelchair and sand table.”

Remington & Vernick Engineers from Secaucus designed the playground expansion under an existing contract. Picerno Giordano Construction from Kenilworth was awarded a publicly bid contract for $277,922 to install the additional playground apparatus. Grants from the NJ Department of Community Affairs and Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund funded the expansion project. Work started in December and was completed in six months, officials said.

According to Essex County, the walking track was last resurfaced in 2014 and needed to be resurfaced due to regular wear and tear.

The renovation was designed in-house by the department of public works. American Athletic Track and Turf from Southampton Township received a publicly-bid contract for $211,575 to perform the construction work. The improvements are being funded through the Essex County Capital Budget. Work started earlier this month and is scheduled to be completed this summer, officials said.

At 69.67 acres, Watsessing Park is the fourth-largest park in the Essex County system.

Revitalizing Essex County Watsessing Park

According to county officials, since DiVincenzo took office in 2003, the “majority” of projects at Watsessing Park have been paid for by grants received by Essex County and the Watsessing Park Conservancy from the New Jersey Green Acres program and the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Board, as well as in-kind services from other governmental agencies.

County officials said:

“In 2020, the synthetic surfaces at the lacrosse/soccer field off of Bloomfield Avenue and the Lawn Bowling Green on Glenwood Avenue were replaced. In 2017, a 3,000-square-foot water spray park was developed near Dodd Street and the additional climbing apparatus was added to the playground on Glenwood Avenue. In 2016, the sidewalks along Glenfield Avenue, Dodd Street and Cleveland Terrace were modernized, the basketball court and walking track near Dodd Street were resurfaced, and the pedestrian bridge over the Second River, damaged during a spring storm, was repaired. Also, in 2016 the walking track was named in honor of Glen Ridge resident Horace Ashenfelter, the 1952 Olympic Gold Medal winner in the steeplechase who trained in the park. In 2014, ornamental historic lighting was installed along the walking paths throughout the park. In 2010, a synthetic grass surface soccer/lacrosse field in Essex County Watsessing Park off of Bloomfield Avenue was developed, new wrought iron fencing was installed along the perimeter of the park along Bloomfield Avenue and a synthetic grass surface inside the walking track was installed.

“The walking track, basketball court and lawn bowling building were upgraded, park entranceways were enhanced, and landscaping was improved in the southern section of the park in 2006. In 2005, Essex County opened a 19,500-square-foot Off-Leash Dog Facility, the first of its kind in the Essex County Park System. The same year, the pedestrian bridge in the eastern section of the park was upgraded.

“In 2004, Essex County rehabilitated the historic bandstand and the Lawn Bowling with a new synthetic grass surface and fencing, and repaired restroom facilities in an adjacent field house. Basketball courts located off of Glenwood Avenue in East Orange were renovated and the Essex County seal was painted at the center of each court. Water fountains were repaired, and additional trash receptacles and decorative benches were placed throughout the park.

“In 2003, Essex County completed a beautification project at the Bloomfield Avenue entrance to Watsessing Park. New sidewalks, decorative park pathways and landscaping improved the entrance, making it more inviting. In addition, upgrades were made to the drainage system, park trees were trimmed, and the restrooms and senior room were painted. Essex County also installed rubberized safety surfaces in the three playgrounds in the park.”

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