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Emerson council weighs repurposing Bergen County open-space grant for Ackerman Park improvements
Summary
Council discussed using a 2024 Bergen County open-space grant originally allocated to Sunset Park for Sunset or Ackerman Park improvements, reviewed vendor options from GameTime including a low-cost cooling "mister," and noted a separate 2025 Bergen County open-space grant application for $75,000 that would require a dollar-for-dollar municipal match; decisions and materials will be reviewed in May.
The council discussed repurposing the borough’s 2024 Bergen County open-space grant, initially for Sunset Park, and whether the money should instead go to Ackerman Park.
Mayor said playground committee members met with vendor GameTime and asked the vendor to price three options: (1) a total park redo, (2) replacement parts, and (3) a hybrid approach with an additional cooling "mister" for warm weather. The vendor advised that a mister avoids the more expensive drainage work that a splash pad would require, making it a cost-effective way to add cooling features.
Rob (staff) said Emerson filed a 2025 Bergen County open-space grant application requesting $75,000 for Ackerman Park; any award would require a municipal dollar-for-dollar match and the borough would not know grant results until December. Mayor and council asked to review materials and vendor options, and discussed timing for repurposing (action in May if chosen) so the budget and project planning can accommodate it.
What’s next: Materials and vendor pricing will be provided to council and the playground committee for review; the borough may formally repurpose the grant in May if the council approves.
