Playground Renovation Coming To Dodge Field In Madison

MADISON, NJ — An update was given on the status of the Dodge Field playground renovation plan, which was first announced earlier this fall.

The proposed playground would be the neighborhood's first ADA-compliant playground, as well as an inclusive space for the benefit and enjoyment of all children.

Councilwoman Debra Coen presented an updated report outlining the committee's progress since the project's announcement. According to Coen, the final park site plans have been delayed, but the borough expects them to arrive within the next few weeks.

The Dodge Field playground is located at 20-38 Greenwood Avenue in Madison.

According to Coen, the Dodge Field playground has not been renovated in nearly a decade. With the new updates planned by the borough, the space will be accessible to all children aged two to twelve.

The new playground will be designed to be as inclusive as possible for all children in the borough. According to a presentation, the updates will include interactive equipment such as musical instruments, swings, slides and a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, among other things.

The current playground structure's potential waste caused concern from some council members, which Coen addressed.

The playground's current equipment would be recycled and moved to another area of the borough."There is nothing wrong with the equipment. It's in good condition, but we would want the company to come in and take it out so that it stays secure and safe for the kids and then also repurpose it."

This project is anticipated to cost between $550,000 and $650,000 in total.

Madison is set to receive a $125,000 grant from Morris County Open Space Recreation and Historic Preservation. The borough also recently learned that the Morris County Parks Commission has agreed to work together to pursue a state grant, which would help with funding.

"We're hopefully in the next couple of days going to get that site plan from the company and we'll look it over as the playground committee and then share it with the council… and then the hope is to get out to bid and get a timeline barring supply chain issues," Coen said.

If everything goes according to plan, the council predicted that the renovation would be finished in the spring and the new playground would open in time for the summer of 2023.