ENGLEWOOD, NJ — What could a future community and recreation center look like in Englewood? Residents will soon have an opportunity to review proposed designs and share their thoughts.
The City of Englewood is hosting a public meeting Thursday, Nov. 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Dr. John Grieco Elementary School, 50 Durie Avenue.
According to the city's announcement, architects will present concept plans for the proposed facility for "consideration and public input."
The proposal follows earlier discussions about a community center in Englewood.
In its Master Plan, amended in May 2025, the city recommended studying whether Liberty School could be rehabilitated for public use, potentially as a community center.
During public outreach for the Master Plan, participants suggested preserving and restoring Liberty School as a multipurpose facility offering community, cultural, recreational and performing arts activities, along with services for older adults.
Other suggestions included affordable and age-friendly housing, mental health services, counseling, financial assistance, job training and educational programs.
Participants also proposed a teen center, music center, technology and computer services, research opportunities, non-profit activities, daycare and after-school programming.
The discussions addressed how such a facility might support itself financially, including generating revenue and seeking assistance from private developers to pay for improvements.
The Master Plan also recommends an updated study to determine whether Liberty School could accommodate modern public uses or building additions without compromising its historic character.
Other possible uses for the building include a new City Hall, assisted living and workforce housing (housing affordable to households earning between 80% and 120% of the area's median income).
The document notes that a 2024 public survey and workshops showed support among participants for converting Liberty School into a community or older-adult center.
However, Liberty School is not the only location considered in the Master Plan.
The city also recommended examining other properties in and around downtown Englewood.
One possibility identified in the document was a community center above a proposed rebuilt Wright Arena and public pool building at Mackay Park.
The Master Plan also recommends exploring partnerships with institutions such as bergenPAC and Englewood Health to help fund programs and services.
These are earlier planning recommendations, not confirmed features or locations for the proposals being presented at the upcoming meeting.
Residents can attend the upcoming meeting to learn more about the proposed center and provide feedback on the architects' concepts.
Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Englewood Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.