CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford officials are highlighting a series of upgrades underway at Orange Avenue Pool ahead of its Memorial Day weekend opening, including new shade structures, expanded seating areas, repairs around the baby pool and accessibility improvements.
Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty and Recreation and Parks Director Steve Robertazzi recently shared updates on the ongoing work as the township prepares for the 2026 pool season, which begins May 23.
“One feature that I’m very excited about is there is a new concrete path from the pavilion to the pool, and it is wide enough for wheelchairs, walkers, [and] strollers,” Miller Prunty said. “People don’t have to trudge through the mud to get to the picnic area.”
Officials said the pavilion is also receiving a new roof and updated lining underneath the structure.
Robertazzi said the township also upgraded shade structures and umbrellas throughout the pool complex.
“The shades were due for an upgrade, and we were able to do that as well,” Robertazzi said.
The township also expanded concrete seating areas beneath several umbrella sections after muddy conditions became a concern for visitors.
“We decided to extend the concrete underneath the umbrellas to give extra seating and not so much mud,” Robertazzi said.
Additional work includes repairs to cracked concrete around the pool deck, renovations near the baby pool and plans for new fencing around parts of the facility, according to township officials.
“There’s not one area that’s not getting redone at the baby pool,” Robertazzi said.
Orange Avenue Pool offers amenities including slides, diving boards, pickleball, volleyball, basketball courts, lap swimming, splash areas, playgrounds and picnic spaces, according to the township.
Officials also announced new summer events and programming for the 2026 season. Swim lessons for children ages 6 months through 15 years will also be offered.
The pool opens Memorial Day weekend from May 23 through May 25 before transitioning to weekends-only operations until daily summer hours begin June 24. The season runs through Labor Day on Sept. 7.
Pool memberships are currently available for residents and non-residents through the township recreation department.
“If you haven’t belonged to the pool before and you kind of want to know a little bit more, we are planning an open house for Sunday, June 7,” Miller Prunty said.
More information about memberships, pricing and registration is available through the township recreation department.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Cranford, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.