SCOTCH PLAINS — The recreation department will conduct an assessment of township parks so the recreation commission can get an idea of how to prioritize needs in the short and long terms.
At Monday night’s commission meeting, after an extensive discussion of conditions at Memorial Field, Chairman Mike Walsh asked that all the parks be evaluated so the commission can see where potential capital money will need to be spent. Facility Manager Justis Evans quickly said that some of the older play structures at Green Forest, Farley Avenue, Jerseyland and Haven Parks will soon need to be replaced.
Earlier in the meeting, Recreation Director Julie Buonaguro spoke about the condition of the ball field at Memorial Park, saying that the dirt levels are “kind of low” and that the composition of the dirt ranges from hard rocks to more fine soil. She said the maintenance team, “works on it all the time,” adding that resolving the problems may require some capital money next year. Mr. Evans said the issue is drainage at the field, with the topography pitched toward Plainfield Avenue, which causes storm water to run across the infield and out to the street. “We’re constantly working on it,” he added.
Commission Vice-Chairman Tom Donatelli proposed having an expert visit the park and suggest possible solutions.
Ms. Buonaguro noted that July is National Parks & Recreation Month and said her staff is working on various activities in which the community can participate. Play in the Park will be the focus, with informal activities —kickball, wiffle ball, Frisbee and other lawn games as well as, possibly, chessboards — featured each week at a different park. She termed it “loose recreation” versus “super-organized play.” It is anticipated that an ice cream truck will be at each event.
Multiple other events are on the calendar in the coming weeks, starting with the Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 22, at Shady Rest Country Club. Hosted by Social Justice Matters of Scotch Plains, the free event will take place from noon to 7 p.m. and will include food vendors, arts and crafts and music. The following Saturday, June 29, the annual Independence Day fireworks also will take place at the country club. The summer concert series on the Alan Augustine Village Green will kick off on Thursday, July 11, and take place every Thursday through August 2. The new start time this year will be at 7 p.m.
