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Board approves Irvington Park synthetic turf, Branch Brook and other parks contracts
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Summary
The board awarded multiple parks and public-works contracts: a $2.22 million contract to Develop Builders for synthetic turf and field lighting at Irvington Park, a Branch Brook Park basketball-court and bathroom renovation contract (~$1.04 million), and other park-related contracts and trust-fund matches tied to Green Acres awards; vendors described timelines and local hiring.
Essex County commissioners approved a series of parks and public-works contracts that the administration says aim to improve recreational facilities across the county.
The board awarded Resolution 20 to Develop Builders for Irvington Park to install synthetic turf on two softball fields and lighting upgrades to an adjacent soccer field; the low bid was $2,221,764. Develop Builders' representative Jay Patel said the firm is a small business and minority-certified contractor with two Essex County resident employees and a net field-construction workforce that will include local subcontractors.
Resolution 21 (award to Sinai Enterprises) funds renovation of basketball courts and the adjacent comfort station at Branch Brook Park in an amount not to exceed $1,036,850. The packet also included authorization to use the Essex County Recreation Open Space Trust Fund as local matches to Green Acres awards for Branch Brook Park and Irvington Park projects.
Commissioners and vendors discussed environmental and athletic-safety issues around synthetic turf. Public Works and an engineering consultant noted modern turf materials have improved on heat and chemical concerns compared with older products; the county's policy is described as a hybrid approach, turfed infields with grass outfields to limit total turf area. Contractors gave estimated timelines (Develop Builders: 2–4 weeks to mobilize after notice to proceed; Sinai: a six-month contract with possible sequencing to prioritize courts).
The board approved the package of parks resolutions by roll call. Commissioners asked staff to provide community notification plans for permits and construction sequencing to minimize public disruption.
Why it matters: These capital investments will affect heavily used parks and recreation facilities, influence construction and seasonal availability of recreation space, and involve sizable county expenditures and trust-fund matches tied to state Green Acres grants.
Next steps: Vendors will receive notices to proceed and county staff will coordinate timing and community notification; engineering firms will finalize product specifications and schedules.
