County To Modernize West Orange Athletic Fields

Construction has begun to modernize and upgrade a soccer field and baseball/softball field in the Turtle Back Rock area of Essex County South Mountain Reservation, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced.

“This is a great use of existing facilities and it’s great that we are partnering with the County to get it done," West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi said. "We wanted to grow our recreation programs and needed additional fields, and Essex County Executive DiVincenzo stepped up to move this project forward."

The modernized fields will provide additional athletic fields to meet the needs of area youth recreation programs and are part of County Executive’s ongoing initiative to ensure that the County’s parks meet the changing needs of the community.

The project is projected to be finished by the spring of 2014. Sita Construction from New York was awarded a publicly bid contract for $236,487 to perform the construction work.

“Local recreation programs have a vital role in the development of our youth, teaching teamwork and sportsmanship, promoting physical fitness and helping to develop socialization skills," DiVincenzo said. 

He added, "However, as these programs become more popular they place greater demands on the playing fields that are available. Sports activities were already being played at Turtle Back Rock, so it made sense to upgrade the fields to formalize the play areas and provide opportunities for our youth."

According to the county, the existing field and meadow will be regarded, and the Little League baseball field will receive a complete upgrade and a new youth soccer field will be developed.

The county detailed:

•  the baseball field will have new fencing, back stop, infield clay surface, player benches and bleachers for spectators. 
• The soccer field will have portable goals, netting and corner flags. 
• The access roadway from Walker Road to the fields will be milled and repaved.