MONROE Work on the proposed Outcault Park could start as soon as this fall.
By: Al Wicklund
MONROE Work on the proposed Outcault Park could start as soon as this fall, Township Engineer Ernie Feist said Wednesday.
Mr. Feist said parts of the park could be in use by next spring.
The 40-acre park, which will front on Avenue K, received funding from the Township Council May 6 when an appropriation of $250,000 was approved.
Mr. Feist said a Recreation Department survey of residents within approximately two miles of the proposed park site an area near the Helmetta boundary, including the Mill Lake and Outcault sections of the township brought a response indicating that the residents’ prime recreation concerns were baseball fields, tot lots and walking and hiking trails.
"We received a return of about 200 survey cards.
"With the survey results as a guide, we’ll probably start with the development of a paved parking lot for the convenience of those who will use the park along with the priority work on the baseball fields, tot lots and trails for hikers and joggers.
"Right now the site is basically wooded with open areas," the engineer said.
The ordinance for the park calls for tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, walking and jogging trails and includes site improvements and landscaping, including grading and mulching.
Mr. Feist said weather is always a consideration in park development. He said how much of the work can be completed this fall and in the early winter will be governed to a great degree by weather conditions.
He said that after the priorities are dealt with the next work probably would be on such areas as tennis courts, soccer fields and basketball courts.
"The survey cards also asked for volunteers to serve on an advisory committee for the development of the park. Residents who volunteered, Department of Recreation personnel, and other township officials, including someone from the Township Council and me, will discuss the park as it progresses." Mr. Feist said.