Union officials mark Lightning Brook Park’s mini grand opening, highlight accessibility and family amenities

Mayor Patricia Gerbra Frazier and county officials gathered at Lightning Brook Park for a mini grand opening celebration where they highlighted new inclusive features and invited residents to use the facility this summer.

The mayor opened the event, noting the presence of county commissioners and the district leader and thanking partners for completing the project. "This is your mayor Patricia Gerbra Frazier and we are here at Lightning Brook Park," she said, introducing the officials on hand and the occasion for the gathering.

A county commissioner described the park as an inclusive facility designed for families and people of all ages, pointing to specific elements intended to broaden access. "It's inclusive, you have play, you have family, you have ADA accessibility, you have a rain garden," the commissioner said, adding that spray apparatuses, play and sensory equipment are available for children.

Michelle, identified in the transcript as a staff member, called the event a "mini grand opening" and described the scene: "It's almost 90° outside and we have family and kids playing in the splash parks." She listed amenities including splash parks, eating areas and a basketball court and encouraged residents to visit the park during the summer.

Speakers framed the project as a collaboration between Union County and the Township of Union and described it as part of ongoing county investments in recreational opportunities for children and families. "It's a wonderful park, great facility," a county official said, urging residents to come and appreciate the improvements.

A nearby resident who said they live "right down the street" praised the rehabilitation and said they had brought grandchildren to the site both before and after the renovation. "I love this park. I live right down the street... they love it," the resident said, calling the improvements "great, unbelievable."

No formal votes or motions were recorded in the transcript. Organizers and officials closed by thanking the county and inviting the public to take advantage of the park throughout the summer.

The event emphasized accessibility, family-oriented amenities and intergovernmental collaboration; officials encouraged visits but did not announce further meetings or formal actions in the transcript.