Clark, Garwood Receive $80K For Youth Programs And Trees

CLARK/GARWOOD — A total of $1.1 million was awarded to municipalities across Union County, including Clark and Garwood, to improve recreation opportunities for youth and planting trees.

The money was awarded through two countywide grant programs, the Kids Recreation Trust Fund and Greening Union County grant programs by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Both grant programs are administered and funded through the Union County Open Space, Kids Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. They provide matching funds to assist communities with projects that meet local needs.

Clark was awarded $25,000 for basketball posts and backboards and Garwood received $55,000 for an overhaul of Hartman Park.

Additionally municipalities were awarded funds through the annual Greening Union County “tree for tree” matching grants for municipal properties.

“In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the bottom line benefits of trees are far-ranging. Preventing erosion, absorbing stormwater and cooling down city streets in the summer are just a few examples,” said Freeholder Angel Estrada. “Studies also show that trees help improve air quality, lower noise levels, raise property values, and even have an impact on crime rates.”

The 2017 Kids Recreation Trust Fund totaled $1 million in matching grants.

The awardees are:

• Berkeley Heights: $50,000 for improvements at Peppertown Park, Columbia Park and the McMillin School.
• Clark: $25,000 for basketball posts and backboards
• Cranford: $60,000 for improvements to Memorial Complex’s baseball field, Centennial Avenue pool and playgrounds at Adams, Buchanan and Johnson Park
• Elizabeth: $85,000 for improvements to Hanratty Field including a new entranceway and playground equipment.
• Fanwood: $40,000 for the development of Forest Road Park tennis courts, basketball courts, gazebo and landscaping.
• Garwood: $55,000 for an overhaul of Hartman Park.
• Kenilworth: $45,000 for environmental purposes.
• Linden: $65,000 for resurfacing of playgrounds at Sergeant Alexander Wales Memorial, Seventh Ward Park and Melnyk Park.
• Mountainside: $50,000 for improvements at Beechwood School including playground and soccer field.
• New Providence: $50,000 for upgrading the playing fields at Grove Terrace Field.
• Plainfield: $50,000 for improvements to the baseball, soccer field and landscaping at Milt Campbell Park.
• Rahway: $50,000 for improvements to Updating Madden Field at Capobianco Plaza including synthetic turf, fencing, bleacher seating and electronic scoreboard.
• Roselle: $50,000 for the second phase of renovations at Arminio Field House.
• Roselle Park: $30,000 for equipment, including improvements to wrestling program.
• Scotch Plains: $55,000 for improvements to Mini Golf Course and Pro Shop, and tennis courts at Green Forest Park.
• Scotch Plains/Fanwood Board of Education: $25,000 for upgrades at Terrill Middle School field.
• Springfield: $30,000 for improvements at Chisholm Park including shade structures, benches, ground surfacing and fencing.
• Summit: $50,000 for the relocation of current bocce court and additional improvements.
• Union: $70,000 for the renovation and expansion of Weber Park Play Area.
• Westfield: $50,000 for playground equipment at Mindowaskin Park.

The 2017 Greening Union County funding totaled $100,301 in “tree for tree” matching grants.

The number of trees planned by each awardee is (Trust Fund matching grants are in parentheses):

• Berkeley Heights: 10 ($2,500)
• Cranford: 45 ($4,500)
• Elizabeth: 150 ($27,500)
• Fanwood: 8 ($571.75)
• Hillside: 20 ($4,000)
• Kenilworth: 12-14 ($3,000)
• Linden: 54 ($9,500)
• New Providence: 20 ($2,500)
• Plainfield: 78 ($9,700)
• Rahway: 30 ($1,500)
• Roselle: 70 ($5,000)
• Scotch Plains: 45 ($3,750)
• Springfield: 50 ($6,000)
• Summit: 80 ($7,800)
• Union: 80 ($4,700)
• Westfield: 80 ($7,780)

(Image via Shutterstock)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.