Middletown May Add 2 Soccer Fields At Bayview Elementary

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Oct. 25, after outcry from the community, Middletown formerly withdrew its 2018 Monmouth County Parks System grant application to fund two athletic fields at Stevenson Park.

As we reported, there was a significant amount of community push-back to the idea of adding sports fields to quiet, serene Stevenson Park, including from Middletown celebrity resident Debbie Harry of Blondie, who lives next to the park and wanted it to remain as passive use.

However, there are more than 8,000 kids in Middletown Twp., and they are desperate for new fields to play on, Twp. officials say. That's why Middletown is now exploring the option of adding two soccer/lacrosse fields at Bayview Elementary School.

“In response to the community’s concerns, we have decided to remove fields at Stevenson Park for consideration,” said Mayor Kevin Settembrino. “Our next step is to discuss the possibility of improving the fields at Bayview at a shared service meeting with the Board of Education this week.”

Middletown Township will apply for another Monmouth County Open Space grant next year to help fund construction of the fields.

Ongoing Patch reporting on Middletown sports fields: Debbie Harry Gets Involved In Fight Over Middletown Soccer Fields