$1M Transformation Coming To Former Hillsborough Police Station Into Recreation Center

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough has been awarded $1 million in funding from the fiscal year 2026 appropriations to transform a vacant police station into a community recreation center at Merdinger Park.

"Hillsborough Township is incredibly grateful to [Congresswoman] Bonnie Watson Coleman and her entire team for initiating the project and to [Congressman] Thomas Kean Jr. for voting for it and making it a reality," said Mayor Catherine Payne at the Tuesday Township Committee meeting. "This is a significant win for our community."

The renovation at Merdinger Park off E Mountain Road will include a complete overhaul of the building’s façade and interior layout, creating a versatile space suited for public meetings and other community events.

"This grant allows us to take an underutilized asset and transform it into a space that serves Hillsborough residents. We are grateful for the federal support that turned this vision into a reality," stated Payne.

The Township had submitted an application for this funding in March 2023. Read More: $1.8M New Recreation Center Proposed In Hillsborough

The property consists of 74 acres of land with roughly more than 2.25 miles of hiking trails. The building and parking lot itself take up roughly 1 acre of the total lot.

"This center will be a cornerstone for Merdinger Park," said Committeeman and Recreation Liaison Robert Britting, Jr. "By renovating both the interior and exterior of the existing building, we are maximizing our resources to provide a top-tier space for our residents to gather."

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