Update: Pine Ridge Park to be Completed by Late October

The finish line is in site for the renovations of Pine Ridge Park in East Brunswick, a project that has kept the park . According to township manager of Engineering Services Greg Potkulski, the project is on schedule for the park’s reopening in late October.

“The project is continuing at this point. We are in the process of starting to build the new basketball and tennis courts,” said Potluski.

On April 25, the Township Council awarding $940,848 to Green Construction of South River to renovate the 5.13 acre park. Two new tennis and a new basketball court were among the extensive renovations that also included drainage improvements at the baseball field. The township plans to spend an extra $55,000 to $60,000 on new playground equipment from Game Time through a state contract.

To help offset construction costs, the township received $500,000 from the Middlesex Board of Chosen Freeholders as part of an open space contribution.

Still, the cost of the renovations was debated before the final plan was approved. Councilman James Wendell said he liked the project but said it was too expensive at this point in time.

Mayor David Stahl, Councilwoman Nancy Pinkin, and Councilwoman Camille Ferraro lobbied in favor of the renovations and spoke of their commitment to the residents of Pine Ridge.  

Stahl said renovating the park is an infrastructure need that is really no different than fixing a water or sewer line.

“I firmly believe that we have a commitment to residents of Pine Ridge, and it’s no different from any other neighborhood in town,” said Stahl at the time. “Everyone is entitled to protect their property values, every neighborhood in our town, quite frankly in my opinion, is entitled to get amenities from the township that are on par with every other area of the township.”