Softball Fields At Irvington Park Will Get $2M In County Upgrades

“This will have a lasting impact on our softball program and demonstrates to our players that their hard work is appreciated.”

By Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff

Jun 4, 2026 4:49 pm EDT

Essex County officials and community members gather at a news conference to announce plans to modernize the two softball fields in Irvington Park. (Photo by Glen Frieson)

IRVINGTON, NJ — Essex County officials announced a $2 million plan to modernize the two softball fields in Irvington Park on Wednesday.

According to a news release from the county, synthetic infield playing surfaces will be installed on both fields, while the outfield areas will remain as natural grass.

In addition to the synthetic surfaces on the infields, the softball fields in Irvington Park will receive a new drainage and irrigation system, backstop and sideline fencing, player benches and covered dugouts, spectator seating, landscaping, pathway repairs and new trash receptacles and pathway benches. Also included in the project is the installation of sports lighting on the adjacent soccer field.

The announcement got a round of applause from Jenna Weiss, head coach of the Irvington High School softball team.

“This will have a lasting impact on our softball program and demonstrates to our players that their hard work is appreciated,” Weiss said.

County officials released a statement about the project, which is expected to cross the finish line by the end of 2026:

“The softball fields in Irvington Park are two of the last remaining softball/baseball fields in the Essex County Parks System to have all-dirt infields. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. has made a concerted effort to modernize all baseball and softball fields with synthetic playing surfaces because they are easier to maintain and there is less wear and tear. Also, the fields can be used sooner after it rains. In recent years, DiVincenzo has spearheaded an initiative to change just the infields and keep natural grass in the outfields. This has been done in Brookdale Park, Yanticaw Park and Belleville Park.”

A professional services contract for $129,350 was awarded to French and Parello from Wall to design the field improvements at Irvington Park. A publicly bid contract for $2,221,746 was awarded to Thomas and Sons Builders LLC from Hackensack to perform the construction work. The project is being funded with a grant from the NJ Green Acres program.

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