Bridgewater Looks To Invest $150K In Improvements To Alfred S Brown Park

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Township is looking to invest $150,000 to upgrade Alfred S. Brown park in the Bradley Gardens neighborhood.

The Township Council unanimously approved a resolution at its Thursday meeting to submit a grant application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for a Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) of up to $75,000.

If approved, the Township would allocate the $75,000 and combine it with a $75,000 allocation from the Township’s Open Space Fund to bring the renovation project total to $150,000.

"This is a park in the Bradley Gardens area, and I believe it's for repairing and renovating the tennis courts," said Council President Joan Geiger at the meeting.

Township Administrator Michael Pappas said the township has been very successful in the last few years in regards to be awarded grants for its parks.

"This would, if granted, this award would be the third grant we received to improve parks," said Pappas.

In 2023, the Township received $75,000 in LRIG funding, matched by the Open Space Fund, to undertake a $166,000 renovation of the KidStreet Playground behind the Municipal Complex at 100 Commons Way. The project included repairs to playground structures, safety upgrades, and aesthetic improvements.

In 2024, Bridgewater received a $63,000 LRIG grant to support enhancements at Hobbstown Park, which included the restoration of park facilities.

Public Information and Outreach Officer Suzanne Maeder told Patch that the primary focus of the project is to renovate the tennis courts at the park off Pine Street. It is unclear if this includes the circular roadway and parking lot surrounding the courts.

The Township is also looking at improving the hockey rink and walking path at the park. However, Maeder said those projects are subsidiary and are dependent on how much everything costs.

The LRIG program, administered by the DCA’s Division of Local Government Services, is a competitive grant initiative aimed at improving and repairing public recreational facilities across New Jersey.

"Investing in our parks and recreational facilities is essential to the well-being and quality of life of our residents," stated Mayor Matthew Moench. "I am proud of our work to continually enhance these beautiful spaces for our families and neighbors."

The Township anticipates a decision on the Alfred S. Brown Park LRIG application later this year.

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