Approval Pending For Upgrades To Wysong Baseball Fields In Mendham

MENDHAM, NJ — The Mendham Township Committee will soon decide whether or not to approve the suggested upgrades to a few locations in Wysong Park.

In February, two local parents addressed the public, expressing their concern for the safety of the township's children and claiming that the current state of the baseball fields endangers not only the players but also other children in the nearby park area.

As a result, the Mendham Chester Baseball Association collaborated with the Township Department of Recreation to create a comprehensive development plan that was shared with the committee and the general public.

The plan was met with general approval by the committee, which commended the association for all that they do with the children of the township.

Committeewoman Lauren Spirig lauded the effort, calling it an incredible investment in the children of Mendham and a great display of dedication from the community's local recreation teams.

According to the posted agenda for the April 10 meeting, the committee will be discussing a resolution that would authorize the Mendham Chester Baseball Association to make those suggested improvements at Wysong Park.

According to the township, Mendham, like all New Jersey municipalities, has struggled with the budgetary constraints associated with recreational fields and programs, and the popularity of youth sports has resulted in heavy use of these fields.

The proposal calls for the construction of a four-foot-high chain-link border fence around the existing baseball field. Erecting a physical barrier between the baseball field and the nearby playground, this addition would improve park safety as a child was previously hit by a ball while walking in the surrounding field.

Another improvement highlighted in the proposal would be the installation of chain-link dugout enclosures, which are currently not present at Wysong.

The total cost is expected to be between $17,000 and $18,000, with the association covering the entire cost.

All of the funds will come from previously organized fundraising contributions, officials said.

The resolution also states unequivocally that, despite this allowance, the Mendham Township Recreation Department remains the sole authority for scheduling field use and allocating users.

The township also retains sole authority over the establishment of operating hours and the approval of any upgrades or modifications to the property.