NEWS from the
TOWNSHIP OF IRVINGTON

"It is the goal of this administration to investigate and implement any initiative that will improve life in Irvington, and to do so with all due care, commitment and concern."
MAYOR WAYNE SMITH

A groundbreaking ceremony is being held today to hail the construction of a 3,000-square-foot community center, the highlight of a $1 million project to revitalize Irvington's largest municipally-owned and operated park.

The existing dilapidated fieldhouse at the 11-acre park will give way to a masonry facility with a multi-purpose room, kitchenette, office space and restrooms. Upgrades that will enhance the building include new wrought iron fencing and a handicap access ramp at the entrance to the park, lawn seedings and a flagpole base that will hold the U. S. flag.

Preliminary construction work has begun on the $860,000 portion of the project, which is expected to be complete by summer. The work is being performed by Development Concepts of Edison; James Guerra P. A. Architects of Elizabeth designed the plan.

Two black, iron cast and wood benches are being donated by Ben Shaffer & Associates, a Lake Hopatcong distributor of commercial playgrounds.

"Today's event is truly ground breaking in every sense of the word," Mayor Wayne Smith said. "In addition to this initiative at Chancellor Park, we have renovated our other parks and playgrounds with attractive, modern and safe equipment our children deserve. Overall, our progress in recreation includes other major achievements like the launch of the boxing program and our administration being the first to fund the Pop Warner football league."

"The Chancellor Park project exemplifies DEP's commitment to developing and enhancing urban parks around the state," said DEP Deputy Commissioner John Watson. "This project will help bring residents together to relax and enjoy this wonderful public space. We are pleased to work with the city in improving the quality of life in Irvington."

The transformation of Chancellor Park began in August 2005 with the installation of the $140,000 playground consisting of a multi-colored jungle gym, swing sets and other structures. Funding for the $1 million makeover was provided by a $500,000 grant by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres program; and with matching municipal monies from Irvington.

Two months later, in a separately-funded project, a $50,000 skate park with five ramps and three rails for skateboarding and bicycling stunts was installed courtesy of a grant from the DEP's Liveable Communities program.

Proposed future improvements to the park include new basketball and tennis courts, landscaping (shrubbery), concrete pavers and lampposts at the entrance.

"The community center is a great addition to the South Ward," according to Donald Malloy, manager of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. "This achievement is consistent with the mayor's vision to provide a facility in each of Irvington's four wards that serves as a hub for recreational and community activities," he added.

Chancellor Park abuts the Max Deutsch Memorial Field, home of the Irvington Little League baseball team; in 2003, the DEP funded the rebuilding of the fieldhouse that sustained heavy damage from a fire and numerous upgrades to the field.

Orange Avenue Park is the next site slated for renovation. Funding from the state and Essex County will be applied to upgrades to the fieldhouse, improvements to the baseball field and new fencing. At 4 acres, Orange Avenue Park is Irvington's second largest municipally-owned and operated park.

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