MILLSTONE – The Millstone Township Elks Lodge has donated $10,000 toward Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements at the new Millstone Park, Red Valley Road.
The organization’s donation was presented during the Aug. 17 meeting of the Township Committee.
Mike Cunningham, a past exalted ruler of the Millstone Elks, spoke about the donation and said, “Our lodge has a new resurgence of activity with people wanting to do something for the town.
“In appreciation of that and the money we have been generating, we would like to make a presentation to the ADA playground the township is planning for the new park.
“None of this could happen without all of the dedication and hard work of the volunteers. I appreciate that and I would like to present the township with a $10,000 check for the ADA playground,” Cunningham said.
Sean Muto, the current exalted ruler of the Millstone Elks, also spoke and said, “Last year, our lodge gave over $30,000 in donations. This year, with this check, we are almost at $30,000 in just the past five months (beginning in April).
“We are looking to double our efforts in the amount of money we give. Our order is all about communities, children with special needs and veterans.
“We appreciate all the support from the township. We are here as a partner and if there is anything we could ever do in response to help you out, please let us know. We are here as a big family,” Muto said.
Millstone Park is a 186-acre facility on Red Valley Road which has been under development since 2016. The park was opened to the public in the fall of 2021. Work on the second phase of Millstone Park is continuing.
In April, a $299,600 contract was awarded by the Township Committee members to Thor Construction Group for ADA improvements to the playgrounds at Millstone Park.
The park will eventually have nine general purpose fields (six with lights), restrooms, a kitchen serving facility, a trail that can be used for walking, jogging and horseback riding, a playground, and a boat-accessible pond that can be used for fishing and irrigation.