Football, Soccer, Track: Park In Newark Upgraded With New Playing Surfaces

NEWARK, NJ — A $1.5 million modernization project crossed the finish line at a county-run park in Newark this week.

On Tuesday, Essex County officials announced that the football/soccer field and the rubberized running track at the Rev. Ron Christian Athletic Complex in Weequahic Park have been upgraded with new surfaces.

According to the county, the field and track were created in 2016 and needed to be updated because of regular wear and tear. This is the first time the surfaces have been replaced.

County officials shared the following details about funding for the project:

“The improvements were designed in-house by the Essex County Department of Public Works, which also monitored the project to ensure delays were avoided. American Athletic Track and Turf Inc. from Southampton, was awarded a publicly bid contract for $1,577,400 million to perform the construction work. Essex County received a $1 million grant from the New Jersey Division of Community Affairs and a $577,400 grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund to fund the project. The project was awarded in March and completed in six months.”

The complex is named for the late Rev. Ron Christian, pastor of Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington.

Other upgrades being planned include the creation of a new baseball field with a synthetic grass infield surface and natural grass outfield and the construction of a new maintenance garage off of Elizabeth Avenue.

Newark Council President C. Lawrence Crump said the facility has “brought so many people together” and has become a place where people can enjoy themselves.

“This is a job well done for our children and the community,” Newark Councilman Patrick Council agreed.

“High schools, municipal recreation programs, community organizations and the general public rely on Essex County and our sports facilities for quality places to play,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“The upgrades we made will ensure the field and track are able to meet the needs of athletes of all ages,” he added.

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