Passaic County awards Hawthorne $125,000 for Ragwall Field bleacher replacement

Passaic County Commissioner Orlando Cruz presented a ceremonial open-space check of $125,000 to Hawthorne on behalf of the county Board of Commissioners for the Ragwall Field Bleacher Replacement Project. "Tonight, I am here on behalf of my colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners, proud to present a ceremonial open space check in the amount of $125,000 for the Ragwall Field Bleacher Replacement Project," Cruz said.

The county commissioner said the investment is part of a larger program: "This year alone, Passaic County has invested over $2,000,000 in open space grants to all 16 municipalities," Cruz said, and described complementary improvements planned for Gothelbrook Park, including a new playground, community garden, removal of an outdated maintenance garage to create expanded parking, and dredging and dam repair for a park pond.

Mayor Elaine thanked the county for the partnership and council members noted the grant will support safer, more accessible recreational space for youth and families. Council discussion clarified the park work will proceed in phases and that dredging and dam repairs are part of the overall project schedule.

The administration said the grant acceptance and related budget adjustments will be processed through the borough's regular resolutions on a future agenda item. The presentation did not include a firm construction start date; county and borough staff said they expect early progress and will provide scheduling updates when available.

The borough will incorporate the grant into capital planning and post details to municipal channels as project timelines firm up.