Improved Athletic Field Dedicated To Chester Community Member

CHESTER, NJ — A longtime community member in Chester now has a field that bears his name.

The Chester Township Parks Committee proudly announced on May 8 that the first field at the new and improved Black River Fields will be named "Bill Foelsch Field" during its annual inspection of the parks system.

"I cannot think of anyone who has put such an incredible mark on the Chester Township park system other than Bill," said Rich Prado, a longtime member and former Chairman of the Parks Committee. "His expertise and knowledge of our town in the ways of local and state government and navigating the system to get things done is unmatched."

Bill Foelsch, Chester Township's parks consultant for decades, was instrumental in the creation of the town's modern park system, being involved in nearly all park improvements since the 1980s, according to township officials.

“Bill Foelsch may be called our parks consultant, but we all know he’s much more than that. He’s been our parks superintendent, our parks expert, and our parks champion,” Mayor Mike Inganamort said. “He knows every blade of grass in Chester Township’s parks system, and that’s hardly an exaggeration. We are a better, stronger, more beautiful town because of Bill Foelsch.”

Black River Fields in Chester, which have been undergoing a longtime renovation project are now officially open for recreational use once again.

The project started in 2017, when the township began negotiations with the West Morris Central Regional High School District to purchase the 45-acre property off North Road, across from Telcordia Park and next to the Black River Middle School and Chester Area Pool.

Morris County approved a $416,250 Open Space grant for the township in November 2019 to purchase the 45-acre property.

"This project was a long time coming. It’s great to finally have level playing fields for Chester’s young athletes. The days of playing soccer on a hill are over," Inganamort said.

On April 21, local youth lacrosse players joined Inganamort, County Commissioner John Krickus, Councilman Tim Drag, Environmental Commission member Charles Happel, and Foelsch at the fields for a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

The permanent plaque and stone naming the field after Foelsch will be unveiled this summer, officials said.

"Bill has always helped craft the vision and execute the park's plan. Over time, he has had a remarkably positive impact on Chester Township,” Prado said.