To the editor:
One of the most amazing features of our community is our parks. Ever since we have been in Montgomery, my wife and I have enjoyed walking, biking, and exploring all of them. However, it wasn’t until we became parents five years ago when we started using the playgrounds. While they were great features of the parks, most of them dated back to the 1990s and were definitely showing their age.
So in 2015, the township committee kicked off the Montgomery Parks Improvement Initiative. Our multi-year objective was to upgrade our playgrounds and address other important needs of our parks. After four years of hard work, I am thrilled to announce the initiative will be completed in 2018. Here is a list of the work we have completed:
- Montgomery Veterans Park – new secondary playground features (smaller items like the climbing wall and bouncy animals), electrical power at the large pavilion, new fire pit and picnic area, paving of parking lots, improvements to pathways, enhancements of the 9/11 memorial, and significant landscape/tree improvements.
- Mill Pond Park – new swing set and see-saw, new shade structure, paving of parking lots, and installation of much needed landscaping in the playground area.
- Woods Edge Park – two new play structures, new shade structure, resurfaced tennis courts and basketball court, new pickle ball court, and rehabilitated restroom facility.
- Lubas Park – new train-themed play structure, new fencing, and creation of a multi-purpose field for various recreation leagues.
- Skillman Park – in partnership with the county, including Freeholder Mark Caliguire (fellow Montgomery resident), new two-acre dog park and approval of many future enhancements.
- New Tennis Courts – approval of a shared service agreement with the Board of Education to jointly reconstruct or resurface all 10 courts next to the Upper Middle School. We would like to thank BOE President Rick Cavalli, who was our partner on this project, which saved taxpayers a lot of money.
- Accessory enhancements to all parks – new picnic tables, garbage and recycling receptacles, grills, benches, and signage.
In 2018, we are moving forward with several additional projects. As I write this column, the playground at Hobler Park is being replaced. The design is unique and will include several features not seen elsewhere. We also plan to install a composting toilet to make Hobler a full service park.
The swing set and play structure will also be replaced at Bessie Grover Park in May. This smaller “pocket” park is on Camp Meeting Road next to the Rock Brook. It is a little gem and definitely worth a visit.
And finally, our initiative will conclude with the replacement of both play structures at Montgomery Veterans Park (scheduled for this fall). This is our most used park and we are sure to do something special with the playground. Look for details later in the summer.
The Parks Improvement Initiative has been a passion of mine and our Recreation Director Karen Zimmerman for the past four years. As it comes to an end, we truly hope you and your children enjoy the new park features. Have a wonderful summer!
Ed Trzaska
Montgomery Township Committee