Athletic Field Upgrades At Belleville Park Are Done (See What's New)

BELLEVILLE, NJ — A $2.88 million series of upgrades to the athletic fields at Belleville Park has crossed the finish line, Essex County officials announced Friday.

The work includes the “modernization” of two Little League baseball/softball fields and the creation of a soccer field. A statement from the county provided more details:

“Two existing Little League baseball/softball fields were modernized with an improved underground drainage system and synthetic playing surfaces on the infield portions of both fields. The outfields of both fields had natural turf sod installed and will remain as natural grass. New fencing, covered dugouts, bleachers for spectators, pathways and landscaping have been installed. A third softball field was replaced with a new synthetic surface soccer field that also is lined for lacrosse. Pathways through the park and landscaping also were updated.”

Neglia Engineering from Lyndhurst received a professional services contract of $130,000 to design the field improvements. Turco Golf Inc. from Pompton Lakes was awarded a publicly bid contract of $2,759,890 to perform the construction work.

The project was funded with grants from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund, New Jersey Green Acres Program and the American Rescue Fund, county officials said.

“The improvements we are making in Belleville Park will enhance playing conditions and meet the long-range athletic needs of the community by creating the first formal soccer field in the park,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

Friday’s announcement got a thumbs-up from elected officials including Essex County Commissioners Carlos Pomares and Brendan Gill, and Belleville Mayor Michael Melham. It also got a cheer from some local residents.

“We have already started using this field and last night we had over 100 athletes practicing here – this is fabulous,” Belleville Soccer Association President Charlie Hood said.

“I am always about doing what is best for our children,” said Belleville resident Eleanor Guarino, a longtime advocate for the park.

“This gives them a great place to play and a safe place to play,” Guarino added.

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