City Council approves maintenance contract for synthetic turf fields in Eastside Park

The Paterson City Council held a workshop meeting on February 11, 2025, where several key topics were discussed, primarily focusing on maintenance contracts for city parks and recent incidents affecting local fields.

One of the main agenda items was the approval of a maintenance contract for synthetic turf fields in various city parks. The council discussed a contract with Sport Care Synthetic Field Maintenance, which will provide cleaning services four times a year for a total projected cost of $65,500. Council members emphasized the importance of maintaining the fields, particularly Raylife Field, and ensuring that the maintenance records are accurate.

Concerns were raised regarding two recent fires that damaged fields at Pennington Park and Riverside. Councilman Jackson inquired about the investigations into these incidents, noting that video footage captured a suspect jumping the fence at Riverside just before the fire occurred. The council expressed the need for a report from the police department regarding the investigations, especially since one incident happened over a year ago.

Additionally, the council addressed a recent traffic incident where a vehicle damaged a field at Raylife. The city is pursuing compensation from the driver's insurance for the repairs needed.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to maintaining city parks and addressing safety concerns, while also ensuring transparency in the investigations of recent incidents. The council plans to move forward with the maintenance contract and will seek further updates on the investigations into the fires.