Categorized | News

$2.3 Million in Public Recreational Improvements

Nichole Petrick reads a letter she sent to Mayor Diaz about building a park when she was in the sixth grade.

Nichole Petrick reads a letter she sent to Mayor Diaz when she was in the sixth grade about building a park.

News Release 10/30/14

PERTH AMBOY – Mayor Wilda Diaz announced new park improvements along the Perth Amboy waterfront and Flynn Park during a ribbon cutting and ground-breaking held on Thursday, October 30th.

The Mayor was joined by City Council members, project contractors, Whirl Construction representative, City Engineer Jeffrey Rauch, city and school officials during the announcements on recreation improvements for residents of all ages.

“The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign in Perth Amboy through the Office of Recreation, we’re serving everyone from our active seniors to our children. These new facilities not only maximize underutilized property and beautify neighborhoods, but they are initiatives that keep our community healthy,” said Mayor Wilda Diaz.

FITNESS TRAIL– The $9K Sustainable Jersey grant partially funded the installation of three exercise stations with a total of six pieces. This trail will include mile markers on the waterfront esplanade starting at 2nd Street, as both the beach and sidewalk areas are utilized for fitness by the community.  The total cost of the project is about $13K.

WATERFRONT RECREATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS – Waterfront upgrades were announced. The $2M Neighborhood Community Revitalization grant funded by the (NJEDA) will allow for recreational upgrades and additions:

•  Installation of 5 new adult tennis courts, fencing and lighting,

• Public Restroom,

• Two seasonal beach shower (wash down stations),

• Four drinking fountains,

•Volleyball Courts,

• Bleachers,

• Boat Ramp and storage and

•Bayview Park hill reconstruction, mid-level promenade with outdoor seating, amenities and storm mitigation.

BASKETBALL COURTS: The construction of three half basketball courts (80’x153’) will soon occupy the underutilized open space adjacent to the Robert N. Wilentz Elementary School and playground area. Construction will be complete by early winter. The courts provide recreational facilities in the residential and school area. The project funded by the City of Perth Amboy totals $88K and is expected by completed by the winter season.

 Ground Breaking Ceremony of Second Street Park  *Photo by Paul W. Wang

Ribbon cutting ceremony of Second Street Park
*Photo by Paul W. Wang

2nd STREET PARK PROJECT: The 2nd Street Park Project in partnership with Rutgers University and the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) has generated significant community feedback through bilingual outreach during several public forums held with the Perth Amboy Public School students, business owners and residents, in the past several months to deliver concept designs. A follow up public presentation of the findings and recommendations will occur in early December.

The 6-acre parcel of land was the former site of the Harry S. Goldberg and Sons Scrap Metal Recycling property. It is a prime site located near public transportation, the downtown district and the Perth Amboy waterfront.  A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant of $200,000 allowed MCIA to assist the City in investigating environmental issues, conducting public outreach and park design, performing additional site testing, if necessary, and plan the process for cleaning up the site.

Conceptual Design of Flynn Park *Photos by Joe Bayona

Conceptual Design of Flynn Park
*Photos by Joe Bayona

FLYNN PARK: A ground-breaking ceremony held for Flynn Park near the James J. Flynn School on Chamberlain Avenue has also received upgrades to a 134’x44’ children’s (Ages 5-12) playground valued at $182K and purchased for $55K. The nearly 25 year old recreation space will be replaced with eight paly stations fully installed by Whirl Construction within the next 4-6 weeks. The total cost of the project is $91K.

 Flynn Park Ground Breaking  *Photo by Joe Bayona

Flynn Park Ground Breaking
*Photo by Joe Bayona

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Browse Current Issue - Click Here

Safety Announcement

We are taking safety precautions in the City of Perth Amboy, and emphasize that it is important: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!!
Report Suspicious Activity – Be Vigilant – STAY ALERT! Do not think that any call or report is too small. Don’t allow the actions of a few dictate your quality of life.
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 9-1-1
FOR ALL NON-EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 732-442-4400