Princeton Hires Consultant To Work On Revamping Community Park South

PRINCETON, NJ – Council on Monday adopted a resolution authorizing Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd., to work on revamping Community Park South.

Council voted unanimously to give Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd., $709,201.50 for “design services for the reconstruction” of the park.

The first phase of the initiative involves renovating the 26-acre land bordered by Route 206, Birch Avenue, Community Park Elementary School, and Community Park Pool. The amount will cover all three phases of the project.

Earlier this year, Princeton requested proposals for design services from qualified engineering, landscape design, and architectural firms.

Nine firms submitted their proposals, out of which four were shortlisted for in-person interviews. A group of municipal staff from Engineering, Recreation and Finance conducted in-person interviews.

“Following the interview phase, the unanimous consensus of the staff committee was that Bowman was our preferred candidate based on the criteria previously listed, as well as performance during the interview,” according to a memo to Council by Evan Moorhead, Executive Director of Recreation.

Funding for this phase of the project has been budgeted for in the 2024 capital budget.

This project has been on the Municipality's “to-do list” since the mid-1980s, according to officials.

Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros said that this was a “gem of a unique park” that was the heart of the community.

“I just think that there’s a real importance to investing in it and looking at this for the long-term for health, fitness, and recreation for all ages,” Pirone Lambros said. “I’m really excited to bring it to the next level.”

Once the Municipality begins the process of revitalizing the park, officials can go out and look for funding from state, and local federal programs, Pirone Lambros said.

You can find details of the proposal here.

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