Scotch Plains Continues Park Improvements, Receives $25,000 Grant

The following information was provided by the Scotch Plains Recreation Commission.

On Saturday evening tennis and basketball enthusiasts joined government representatives and the Scotch Plains Recreation Commission at Kramer Manor Park for a Grand Re-opening after recent upgrades and renovations were completed. 

In addition to numerous young and young at heart athletes, representatives from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Scotch Plains Township Council and the Scotch Plains Recreation Commission participated in a ribbon cutting and dedication of this park located in the very center of Scotch Plains.

Mike Dempsey, the Vice Chair of the Recreation Commission, Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella, Mayor Mary DePaola, and Councilman Mickey Marcus, liaison to the Commission, brought all up to date on the project at the Park and later spoke about the ongoing cooperation between various government entities with several Scotch Plains athletic associations that has allowed Scotch Plains to create new parks and ball fields and upgrade existing ones throughout the Township. 

Mr. Dempsey said, “Here at Kramer Manor Park we were able to resurface our seven tennis courts and two basketball courts in addition to installing new more effective light stanchions to make this facility safer and more enjoyable for those using it.  We have an active recreation basketball and tennis community and this renovated park will be a source of pride for our residents.  We are particularly pleased that the funding for this project came from not only an existing Township bond ordinance but also from a generous Kids Recreation Trust Grant from Union County.”

Freeholder Chairman Mirabella added, “Union County government has had a long standing positive relationship with Scotch Plains and has enjoyed numerous success stories that have benefitted recreation programs in this community.  In addition to Kramer Manor Park, Ponderosa Park was opened this summer and over the years many other facilities have been created or renovated here through a partnership with the County, Scotch Plains, the Joint School District and the Borough of Fanwood.”

Mayor Mary DePaola stated, “Just this week I attended a meeting of the Freeholder Board along with Councilman Ed Saridaki and Recreation Director Ray Poerio where we picked up yet another Kids Grant in the amount of $25,000.  This will allow us to combine resources with not only the County, but also with the Borough of Fanwood, The School District and numerous athletic associations in the community for much need renovations and upgrades at the Terrill Middle School Baseball Field.  We anticipate a re-graded field with improved drainage, fencing, a new backstop and benches to make this site a safer and more playable ball field.”

Councilman Marcus added, “I have had the privilege of being the Township Council Liaison to our Recreation Commission for 2012 and have seen first-hand the great working relationship that has been established between the Commission and the various government entities and athletic associations which has allowed us to create some wonderful facilities for our residents at the best possible cost.  Tonight’s opening at Kramer Manor is evidence of that.  I would like to commend the leadership of Freeholder Chairman Mirabella, Mayor DePaola, and the recreation community at large for allowing us to get to this point.  There is a lot to be proud of here.”