Hunterdon County Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Court Street Park Playground in Flemington

The Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners opened a public hearing May 2025 on a proposed donor-funded playground at Court Street Park in Flemington, allowing public comment while noting that the county cannot take final action until a Green Acres change-in-use review is completed.

The playground proposal would place a 1,100-square-foot (about 25-by-35-foot) play area designed for children ages 2–5 in the grassy area near Park Avenue at Court Street Park. Bill Mallet, of the county planning department, said the installation cost is estimated at $35,000 and that the equipment is being donated; ongoing maintenance and inspections would be the responsibility of the Hunterdon County Division of Parks and Recreation. "The ongoing maintenance will be our responsibility," Mallet said.

Why it matters: the site is within the county park system and therefore subject to Green Acres rules that require a formal change-in-use procedure before the county may approve a new playground. Mallet told the board the public comment period remains open through June 3, 2025, and that the earliest the county could take formal action is on or after Aug. 20, 2025.

During the hearing, several residents and stakeholders expressed support and asked questions about access and impacts. Nancy Diminani, vice president of the Flemington Women’s Club, said the club donated the land historically and that parking is already limited for club activities: "We barely have a place to park for our various activities there," she said, and asked how additional park users would affect parking. Warren Belkleiner, the resident who is leading the donation project, described the playground as a "walking destination" for nearby families and said the money for installation has already been raised: "It's not meant to be a big playground... it's meant to be a walking destination for folks that are here in the borough," he said.

Other speakers framed the playground as a benefit to families and young children. Colleen Rosetti, a Flemington borough resident, said a closer playground would allow grandparents and others to walk with young children to play near Main Street. Diane Shoner, who identified herself as a friend and former coworker of the person the playground would memorialize, described playgrounds as "vital places for learning, socializing, and developing a love for outdoors." Several commenters praised the memorial purpose of the gift.

County staff and advisory groups: Mallet said the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee reviewed the proposal and recommended the county accept the donation and assume maintenance. The proposed surface under the equipment would be mulch, which requires periodic replenishment, and the parks division will continue routine safety inspections consistent with county playground standards.

Outstanding issues and next steps: residents asked that the county demarcate the proposed footprint on site so neighbors can see exact placement and proximity to the historic clubhouse and gazebo. Mallet said staff will mark the footprint for review and reiterated that written comments will be accepted through June 3. No vote or final decision was taken at the meeting.

The board closed the hearing after receiving public comments and recorded that the county will accept written comments through June 3 and may act on the change in use on or after Aug. 20, 2025.