Park Upgrades Throughout Chatham Township Now Complete

CHATHAM, NJ — Two Chatham Township parks now have easier access to parking and restrooms. Under Resolution 2022-125, the Chatham Township Committee authorized the purchase of automated doors for the restrooms at both Shunpike and Nash Field.

Every resident now has timed access to the existing restrooms, thanks to automated controls. This upgrade ensures that the restrooms are secure when the parks close for the evening, officials said.

The new door controls are also intended to reduce the workload of highly valued volunteer coaches. During sporting events, automation eliminates the distraction of unlocking and locking restroom doors.

Coaches are no longer responsible for remembering codes or key placement.

The automated system also allows for additional access outside sporting events. Visitors with small children on the playgrounds previously had only portable toilets as options, which did not meet the high standards of Chatham Township's family-friendly parks and drove visitors of all ages away from the fields, officials said.

Access upgrades include improvements to the trail that connects Shunpike Field and the first overflow parking lot. The path was previously unpaved and frequently muddy, with ponded water after any rain event.

The pathway was resurfaced by the Department of Public Works with new stone and proper grading.

“These automated access doors and parking pathway are just part of many upgrades to follow.
We are committed to improving recreation for all ages,” Mayor Ashley Felice said.