What to do with equipment, other issues will be discussed Wednesday, May 14
By John Tredrea, Special Writer
Cavallo Park, which Lambertville has closed until contaminated soil near the surface has been removed and new construction in the park is complete, will be on the agenda of the city’s recreation commission’s next meeting. That session, open to the public, will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at the Phillip L. Pittore Justice Center at 25 South Union St.
A city press release said it anticipated the park being closed for six months.
”We’ll address any issues or concerns residents have about Cavallo Park at that meeting,” said recreation commission member Megan Ruff. “A representative of the DEP (state Department of Environmental Protection) will be there.”
Cavallo Park, which is off Mount Hope Street and Delaware-Raritan Canal State Park foot trail, and its “tot lot” have long been popular with families with young children.
Two years ago, the recreation commission began a review of the equipment and uses of Cavallo Park. The commission applied to the state’s Green Acres agency for funding to help pay for park renovations and received a low-interest loan of $300,000.
As required by the Green Acres program and the DEP, investigations were conducted on the three areas of environmental concern in the park. That work was completed in August of last year.
The city then requested that the DEP, which owns the park and leases it to the city, conduct additional testing. The DEP did so in November 2013 and presented its findings a month ago.
Based on an agreement between the DEP and Lambertville, remedial action will involve the removal of the top 12-18 inches of material, and replacement of the material with certified clean fill. The cost of the work has been estimated at $310,000, with the city entitled to be reimbursed for 75 percent of it.
Ms. Ruff said the soil at the park, which is less than an acre in size, was found to be minimally out of compliance with state standards on clean soil in residential areas.
”We want to be extra cautious,” she said. “It’s a tot lot. The state feels the same way.”
She said the land on which the park is located was used for industry into the 1950s. “It was filled in when industrial use ceased,” she said.
Ms. Ruff said the city hopes to begin reconstruction of the park in late summer. “The soil remediation process will have to be completed before we can start reconstruction,” she said.
”The new park will be an amazing project and a great addition to the city. There will be a bike path for toddlers around the perimeter of the park, new play equipment for children, benches, a pavilion, a fireplace and outdoor movies in the summer.”
She advised families with young children to use Ely Park on North Main Street, and the “pocket park” on Highland Avenue while Cavallo Park is closed.
The city announcement said, “The reconstruction of Cavallo Park is being funded, in part, through low-interest loans in the amount of $300,000 obtained from Green Acres. The city is also the recipient of a donation from Gregg Cook of My Yearbook in the amount of $147,251.90.”