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Board approves multiple parks contracts and Green Acres funding as residents press for clearer permit rules and park staffing
Summary
The commissioners approved a package of parks and public-works contracts — including Riverfront Park construction and Watsessing playground replacement — while public comments and several commissioners pressed administration for clearer park permit rules, more restroom attendants and better customer service at family services.
The Board approved a series of parks and public-works contracts and funding insertions — including a construction award for Riverfront Park and playground and field improvements — as residents used public comment to demand changes to park permit rules, enforcement and on-site staffing.
David Antonio of the Department of Public Works told the board that Shoretop Construction submitted the lowest bid for the Riverfront Park Improvements Project and was awarded the contract at an amount not to exceed $1,627,790. The contract covers restoration of tennis and basketball courts, the baseball field and other park amenities including water fountains, benches, fencing and graffiti removal. George Smith, vice president of Shoretop, said the company will seek to hire local residents for the work.
The board also awarded a contract to Pizzerno Giordano Construction to demolish and replace the playground and refurbish the water play features at Watsessing Park; the contractor said the equipment will be ADA-accessible and that procurement lead times for equipment are roughly 10–12 weeks.
Joshua (parks) presented several related items: a contract to LandTech Group for inspection and maintenance of synthetic turf athletic fields (not to exceed approximately $386,200, with a $250,000 allowance for time and materials), an insertion of Green Acres funding to support Riverfront Park improvements and a number of smaller maintenance and supply contracts for the county's parks and zoo.
Commissioners pressed parks staff on sequencing, timelines and environmental and safety questions about synthetic turf. Commissioner Seibold and others asked for assurances that inspection and testing would include safety checks related to extreme heat and long-term materials; parks staff said the county inspects fields annually and that some newer materials and products are being evaluated for future replacement cycles.
Public comment overlapped with parks business. Donna Jackson said permit decisions are favoring out-of-state teams and universities (she named Rutgers) and urged first preference for Essex County residents; the chair asked administration to connect directly with commenters for follow-up. Anthony Ham, a resident, said he had applied for a private-cookout permit at Wheatway/Westside Park for August 9 and had not received a response; staff agreed to follow up and collect contact information.
Commissioners also raised operational concerns after recent large events: Vice President Cooper said porta-potty counts and cleanup fees should be reviewed and that some events left excessive trash; administration said permittees make representations about required facilities and follow-up enforcement will be reviewed.
What happens next: Parks and public works will proceed on awarded contracts and will return to the board with scheduling and public-notice plans for closures; administration will follow up with individuals who raised permit or service complaints and will report on any needed changes to permitting or enforcement practices.
