Hopatcong council authorizes NJDCA grant application for outdoor exercise equipment at Motor Park

The Hopatcong Borough Council voted to authorize an application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) Recreation Improvement Grant program to install outdoor exercise equipment at Motor Park.

John, a municipal staff member who presented the grant guidance to the council, told members the program has expanded since it began. "When the program first was rolled out, they only had $2,000,000 for the entire state... last year they awarded about $25,000,000... this year they have $200,000,000 allocated," John said, describing typical award sizes of about $70,000 and the program's emphasis on projects that will be used frequently.

Council members debated two project concepts submitted for the grant: resurfacing and completing a second basketball court at Motor Park (estimated total about $90,000, with a proposed local match of roughly $20,000) or installing an outdoor exercise area with accessible equipment for seniors and other residents (cost and scope adjustable to target a typical $70,000 award). Councilwoman Johnson said she favored the exercise equipment, noting the town's growing senior exercise group and saying, "I like the basketball court. I like the gym. I just think... I would support the exercise equipment" as a way to make fitness accessible to more residents.

John advised the council that the NJDCA program does not require a local match but awards up to 20 additional points to applicants that provide one; he recommended a local match in the range of 20 percent to improve the application's competitiveness. He also said the program prefers projects that will be implemented quickly rather than held for future use.

After discussion and public comment from residents and senior-group representatives who said they would support equipment sited at Motor Park, the council voted to authorize the application for outdoor exercise equipment to be sited at Motor Park. The roll call vote recorded: Falcone — yes; Johnson — yes; Koussevick — yes; Rodriguez — yes. The motion passed unanimously among members voting.

Council members and staff said they will solicit letters of support from local groups and finalize cost and scope so the administration can submit the application within the DCA timetable.

The council also discussed long-term park planning and the option to apply for additional recreation grants in future years to address larger park renovations.

The resolution authorizing the application passed on a roll call vote and instructs staff to prepare the application and supporting materials.