Carteret, NJ – Mayor Reiman has been joined by Parks Commissioner Vinny Bellino to announce an award of $480,000 in funding towards the multi-parks improvement project. The award consists of a Green Acres loan of $240,000 and a matching grant of $240,000. Funding was awarded for improvements in both Carteret Park and Ash Street Park (“Little Park”).
Reiman and Bellino announced this week that contracts for construction have been awarded to Zenith Construction, the lowest bidder at $146,090 for the Carteret Park project, and Tec-Con Contractors, at $210,475 for the Ash Street Park project. Rehabilitation will include ADA accessibility improvements at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Carteret Park, and the construction of new athletic facilities at Carteret’s “Little Park” (Parkview / Ash Street Park) located on Ash Street, along with extensive landscaping, and new playground equipment.
Carteret Park’s enhancements are expected to be completed by Memorial Day, while Parkview’s rehabilitation should be completed by September.
“In urban towns like Carteret” said Mayor Dan Reiman, “parks play a crucial role in setting quality of life standards, and in preventing urban sprawl. Residents of all ages have utilized the enormous range of active and passive amenities our parks system offers, and our tributes to the U.S. military have served as focal points for a number of patriotic observations throughout the year. These projects will provide for enhancements that will last for generations.”
The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial at Carteret Park has long been a centerpiece for the Borough’s military remembrance services, displaying the names of Carteret residents who have served in foreign wars since WWI, and playing host to the town’s Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day ceremonies.
A lesser known park, Parkview’s modest 0.78 acre park has offered little more than playground amenities to Borough residents. Construction will include the addition of a new basketball court, and enhancements that include new “fibar” safety surfacing, benches, landscaping and fencing.
Councilman Bellino added, “Carteret residents know how active our youngsters are, and how critical our parks and athletic facilities are to our many sports programs and organizations – and certainly how big a part our Solider and Sailors Monument plays in our military observations throughout the year. Carteret Park has been overdue for these improvements and enhancements that will allow for better accessibility for our handicapped.”
