By: Rebecca Weltmann
WASHINGTON When a resolution to build new athletic fields near a cemetery on Gordon Road died, a new plan sprung from its ashes.
The Township Council on Feb. 22 introduced a possible deal with Mercer County in which the township would get 77 acres on Pond Road, across the street from Pond Road Middle School. In exchange for the land known as Miry Run Park the township would pay the county a nominal fee and would be responsible for the ground maintenance and land development.
The land at Miry Run Park would be used for recreation and sports fields and works significantly better than the land near the Princeton Memorial Park cemetery, according to Mayor Dave Fried,
Originally, the township was considering purchasing the 17-acre parcel next to the cemetery from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton. The idea of putting sporting fields next to the cemetery drew fire from people who have loved ones buried there.
In addition to disapproval from the people, Mayor Fried said, he was also concerned about the safety of children playing so close to a cemetery. Thus, he said, the plan to put the athletic fields across from the middle school would just work out better.
"It’s more than 70 acres, so from a sheer size standpoint, it works significantly better," said Mayor Fried. "The township needs more than just soccer, though. We have needs for fields for all recreation. This allows us to do something a little broader, so we’re excited about that."
He added that in addition to space, the land at Miry Run Park is better for two other reasons. First, the land is across from the middle school and would allow room for parking on weekends when events at the school are happening. Second, the Miry Run Park land works better in light of the anticipated expansion from the turnpike.
"With turnpike expansion, the parcel where the soccer fields are currently located will be subject to more and more noise as it gets louder and louder," he added. "This new land will give us more flexibility with that issue coming up."
Mayor Fried said he was unsure of what the nominal fee would be, but that the council, in conjunction with the recreation commission, would be conducting a feasibility study. This study will determine what needs to happen in order for the field space to be available on the land at Miry Run Park.
"We want to plan first and then build," the mayor said. "It’s never a good idea to build first, then plan."
In addition to using the space for soccer, the township will look at using the space for Little League, softball and lacrosse as well. The feasibility study will help determine what the different needs are for each sport.
"The fee is so nominal, and the council needs to understand what the cost will be to create the fields," Mayor Fried said. "Under the agreement, the county will lease the land and then we’ll make improvements."
Officials said it is not certain when the feasibility study will be completed. The Recreation Advisory Commission was expected to meet Tuesday night at Robbinsville High School to discuss the details of the study, said Township Clerk Michelle Auletta.

