Mendham/Chester Governments Awarded Several Recreation Grants

MENDHAM/CHESTER, NJ — Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, and Chester Borough have received sizeable recreation grants from the state.

The funding comes from a $19.517 million Local Recreation Improvement Grant from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) that was awarded to nearly 250 counties, municipalities, and school districts after a “competitive” application process.

Mendham Borough received $85,000, Mendham Township received $88,000, and Chester Borough received $92,000. The funds are to be used to improve recreation facilities and programs.

Other local entities receiving a slice of the grant include Morristown, Morris Township, and the West Morris Regional High School District.

According to the NJDCA, the grant exists to:

• Fund improvements to recreational facilities
• Provide quality outdoor recreational space to underserved communities, particularly in this time of heightened need
• Assist local units in achieving unmet recreational obligations
• Equipment (example: cost of playgrounds or stadium, or community theatre bleachers)
• Remediation costs associated with preparing recreation sites for use
• Other directly related costs

“This grant program has become a mainstay during the Murphy Administration because we recognize how important public recreation spaces are to people’s physical and mental health. Having quality walking paths, playground equipment, basketball courts, and other recreational resources does so much to strengthen a community’s well-being,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “By helping towns update and create new recreational facilities, DCA is investing in community assets that mean so much to residents of all ages and backgrounds.”