For the second time in two months, township officials presented updated plans regarding improvements in Bossert Park.
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — For the second time in two months, township officials presented updated plans regarding improvements in Bossert Park.
The Township Committee also allowed for additional input from residents at the Oct. 28 meeting.
Mayor Jim Cann further noted residents would have more opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions during a public hearing for the ordinance needed to allocate grant monies for improvement.
Specifically staff updated the committee and public regarding a bridge on the site.
According to the representative for the township’s insurance provider, the improvements needed involve repairing a pier on the north side of the bridge in addition other minor improvements to the bridge itself, including railings and asphalt.
The work would necessitate an investment of between $10,000 and $15,000.
Fred Turek, alternate township engineer, opined the work would provide the bridge with a useful life span of between 10 and 20 years.
Officials have started receiving quotes for the pier work. Other improvements could be done in-house. Weather permitting, the other improvements would follow the pier work.
Officials previously estimated the costs of the park improvements as proposed to cost approximately $70,000.
The costs will be addressed, at least in part, in Burlington County Municipal Park grant received last year in the amount of approximately $99,000.
Improvements to the park include installing a tot lot eastward toward Thorntown Lane with a picnic grove to allow for parents to watch over their children while at play.
In addition, a fitness station would be on the other side of the park toward Charles Basset Drive and the basketball courts, located near the pump stations, would be reduced to half courts.
The rationale of these changes were primarily to improve visibility and security at the park, Mr. Turek said previously, also noting the current park equipment is antiquated enough that repairs are difficult due to unavailability of replacement parts.
Additional changes include installation of doggie stations to further enable dog walkers to clean up after their canines and making access to the park compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
At a previous meeting, Police Chief Frank Nucera said he hopes the changes would “enhance security” to the overall area behind the residences on Vine Way.
The park will remain open from dawn to dusk only, with only lights provided where security and safety are an issue, according to officials.
The Bordentown Township Committee’s next scheduled meeting is Nov. 12.