Woolwich sets Locke Avenue Park ribbon cutting, hears resident urge environmentally preferable purchasing policy

Woolwich Township Committee discussed parks and recreation items and scheduled a tentative ribbon cutting for Locke Avenue Park on Sept. 8, 2026. Administrator Jim Watson told the committee ownership of Locke Avenue Park is expected June 19 and that electrical work for cameras has been approved; quotes for outlets and sign repair were pending. The committee proposed holding the ribbon cutting the same day as the regular evening meeting to maximize attendance by Green Acres liaisons and other invited guests but noted a daytime weekday event was likely for logistics.

Committeeman Frederick reported that a June 6–7 pickleball tournament netted about $2,700 after payouts and that rotating leagues will begin this week. The committee also discussed a proposed temporary volleyball court near the municipal building’s solar panels; Mayor Matthias raised concerns about ball impacts on panels and the retention‑pond slope. The committee agreed to evaluate the far‑side location, consider bringing in a farmer to regrade the area and reviewed a short‑term cost estimate under $750 for temporary nets and taped lines.

During the public comment period a resident urged the township to adopt an environmentally preferable purchasing policy, citing East Greenwich’s Resolution 42‑2022 and suggesting electric vehicles and low‑emission equipment could lower lifecycle costs. The resident offered assistance from Environmental Commission members for analysis; the committee thanked the resident and said it would consider the request.

Other related items discussed by the committee included potential restoration of a pollinator garden basin at the municipal building, the possibility of applying for rain‑garden grant funding with assistance from the South Jersey Land Trust, and considerations about bioretention versus infiltration basins at Locke Avenue Park.