News and Notes: Memorial Hill, Improvements to the Parks, Cinna Fest

Mayor Don Brauckmann provided some updates to parks and recreation projects Monday night at the regular township committee meeting, including reiterating the final costs associated with Memorial Hill, the sledding and recreation hill at Memorial Park.

As reported last December, the cost of the hill came in at $43,337. With the addition of the safety fence, the final cost, according to Administrator Gerry Seneski, is $48,837.

The cost is capital-funded with monies from the parks and recreation budget—a pot of money that can only be used for parks projects. There is no extra insurance cost, according to the township’s liability insurance broker.

Brauckmann also gave an update to other park projects. The township had been awarded a $185,000 grant in the spring, the second part of a Municipal Park Development grant from county freeholders. About $12,000 of that went to a new play structure at Fountain Farms Park. The remaining funds will go toward the installation of the play structure and the refurbishing of the concessions and restrooms at Memorial Park.

Brauckmann said even though some residents have voiced their opinions about the hockey rink, no one in the last six months has approached the parks and recreation advisory board regarding the dilapidated structure.

A group that has expressed interest in raising funds to fix up the structure in the past is no longer interested, Brauckmann said.

Brauckmann, who is also the director of parks and recreation, said discussion on the hockey rink will be on the March agenda of the parks and rec advisory board.

"The decision has not been finalized. Towship committee is still mulling over what to do about it," Brauckmann said. "We'd like input."

The next parks and recreation advisory board meeting is Thursday, March 1.

"It's a very difficult job trying to decide where to spend money," Brauckmann said. "That's why we have these advisory boards."

Brauckmann also announced the lineup has been set for the township's summer concert series. That information will be released when it becomes available.

There is also going to be an all-day music festival comprised of local teen bands called Cinna Fest on June 30. Stay tuned for a story on that and also on the second annual park clean-up day, slated for March 24.