News from the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders

Public Information Contacts: Linda Van Zandt / Joanne Vuoso / Lisa Krueger

908.231.7020 publicinfo@co.somerset.nj.us

November 4, 2009

Athletic Facilities Will Get Facelifts Thanks to County Grants

More than 20 athletic facilities around Somerset County will benefit from a total of $240,000 in grants awarded recently by the Board of Freeholders.

“This is the 10^th year that the county is providing this funding to our municipalities,” said Freeholder Director Rick Fontana. “These grant funds are helping to keep both youth and adult athletic facilities in good shape, so it’s money well spent. The Freeholder board is committed to bringing tax dollars back to the communities whenever possible, and this is a great example.”

Since 2000, the Freeholders have awarded $3.02 million to municipalities for 183 projects ranging from field upgrades to lighting installation to a variety of repairs.

Towns and projects receiving the 2009 Athletic Facilities Grants are:

Bedminster Township
Burnt Mills Park: Installation costs of one 20-by-20-foot post-and-beam pavilion and one 20-by-40-foot post-and-beam pavilion, and purchase of two outdoor picnic tables.

Bernards Township
Pleasant Valley Park: Reconstruction and resurfacing of two platform tennis courts.

Bernardsville Borough
Polo Grounds: Purchase of a utility shed to store equipment and tools at the park site.

Bound Brook Borough
Tea Street Youth Sports Complex: Construction of a T-ball/softball field.
Billian Legion Park: Completion of ballfield fencing.

Branchburg Township
Stony Brook School and/or Central School: Removal of old backstops and wing fencing and replacement with arched backstops at two fields.

Bridgewater Township
North Bridge Street/Prince Rodgers Park: Purchase and installation of four bleachers, and purchase of an infield tarp.

Far Hills Borough
Malcolm J. Belcher Fairgrounds and Municipal Building: Correct field drainage and regrade track, purchase and installation of a slide and benches, fence repairs, and repairs to fairground building.

Franklin Township
Multiple park locations: Purchase of infield mix for nine softball fields and to upgrade field playing surfaces.

Hillsborough Township
Ann Van Middlesworth Park: Replacement of floating dock at pond.

Manville Borough
Memorial Park: Purchase and installation of 8,000 square feet of pavers around pool complex.

Millstone Borough
Ann Street Park: Purchase and installation of playground equipment.
Borough Hall: Purchase and installation of exterior lighting for security and safety at Borough Hall.

Montgomery Township
Van Horne Park: Purchase and installation of automatic locking system for restrooms, and purchase of picnic tables (this project is shared with Rocky Hill).
Upper Middle School: Repair of cracks at tennis courts.

Raritan Borough
Canal Park: Purchase and installation of playground equipment, picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles, wood carpet, plastic borders and an ADA-compliant ramp.

Rocky Hill Borough
Van Horne Park: Purchase and installation of automatic locking system for restrooms (this project is shared with Montgomery).
Panicaro Park Memorial: Construct small brick paver sitting/garden area with flagpole, benches and game tables.

Warren Township
Municipal Complex: Installation of single-post pyramid sandbox.
Green Brook Roller Hockey Rink: Contribution to shared roller hockey rink for rink repairs.
Wagner Arboretum: Purchase and installation of 12-foot deer fencing around formal gardens.

Watchung Borough
Mobus Field: Replacement of nets, windscreens and courtside benches at tennis courts; purchase/installation of a storage unit; and renovation of dugout floor, purchase of new player benches and replacement of damaged fence-top protection at softball field.