By Frank Mustac, Special Writer
Some parks and recreation fees have been increased following the adoption of an ordinance by 5-0 unanimous vote by the Hopewell Township Committee.
New prices have been set for organizations using athletic fields at Independence Park, Twin Pines Recreation Facility and the lighted fields at the Municipal Athletic Complex.
In one example of the new schedule, use of a grass athletic field for two hours by a non-resident youth non-profit organization is now $50, or $10 more. Use of a grass athletic field for two hours will continue to be free for a resident youth non-profit.
For a resident youth non-profit to use a turf field under the lights for two hours, the fee is now $150, a 50 percent hike.
The cost is now $300 for a non-resident youth non-profit to use a turf field under the lights for two hours, which is $100 more.
Before the Township Committee adopted the fee ordinance at its meeting in early May, the ordinance had been reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, according to Township Administrator Paul Pogorzelski. The advisory committee members are Michael Chipowsky, Michael Markulec, Brian Ross, Tom Finn, Kurt Vollherbst and Mark Shreve.
Judy Niederer, the director of the Parks and Recreation Department for Hopewell Township, attended the Township Committee meeting.
“I would just like to thank Ms. Niederer for her hard work on this and really going back and forth between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Township Committee,” said Township Committeewoman Julie Blake, the liaison to the advisory board.
Committeeman John Hart also praised the director of Parks and Recreation.
“I know it is a lot of work with that fee schedule. It’s not easy with all these fields,” Mr. Hart said. “I compliment you on a very good job.”
Committeeman Todd Brant applauded Ms. Niederer as well, and then asked her whether a “communication plan” is in place to tell sports organizations about the new fee schedule and safety procedures.
“Notification will go out to all presidents of the leagues,” Ms. Niederer said. “They will all be notifiedwith a letter with a copy of the ordinance stating that it will go into effect on Sept. 1.”
