Residents press for Collinsville playground opening; township says gates coming down ‘in two weeks’ and schedules June 13 grand opening

Residents from the Collinsville neighborhood used the public‑comment portion of the March 18 Morris Township Committee meeting to press elected officials for a clear opening date and neighborhood amenities for the renovated Collinsville playground.

Gabrielle Wells, a nearby resident, said she lives across from the park and described the frustration of two years of construction and continuing closures. She asked for a specific timeline and written communication about when gates and equipment would be available for neighborhood children. Multiple speakers raised related requests for no‑dog signage, trash cans and plans for summer programming.

Township officials responded that most equipment has been removed, but final work remains. The clerk and Parks & Rec staff said the splash-pad/bathhouse still requires water and electrical hookups and that a top coating on the basketball court must be applied only when temperatures remain around 55°F. Mayor Donna J. Griglia told residents, “The gates are coming down… in two weeks,” and the committee announced a grand opening ceremony planned for June 13.

Officials said the bathhouse permits and utility hookups must be completed before full use of the facilities. Parks & Rec staff invited neighborhood volunteers to assist with summer programs and said the department will distribute information about the opening in English and Spanish to nearby residents.

Residents asked for follow-up on amphitheater repairs and additional trash and pet‑waste stations; staff said replacements and signage are planned once weather and remaining construction tasks permit.

The committee asked Parks & Rec to prioritize neighborhood outreach so families know when the site will be accessible.