New Synthetic Field Installed At Weequahic Park In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — A new synthetic grass playing surface was recently installed at the Little League field at Weequahic Park in Newark.

According to Essex County officials, the new surface will ensure that young ballplayers have access to up-to-date field conditions, and will maximize usage of the field.

County officials said:

“The Little League Field off of Elizabeth Avenue was first updated with a synthetic grass playing surface in 2007. After 15 years, the grass surface needed to be replaced due to regular wear and tear. In addition, the field lighting was upgraded to LED lights, which are brighter and more energy efficient, and a new scoreboard was installed.”

According to county officials:

“The improvements were designed in-house by the Essex County Department of Public Works, which also monitored the project to ensure delays were avoided. Athletic Fields of America from Montville was awarded a publicly-bid contract for $661,986 to perform the construction work. The improvements were funded with a grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund. The project took about three months to complete.”

“We are always updating our parks and recreation facilities to make sure our youth and other visitors have the most up-to-date field on which to play,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“These fields provide our youth with positive activities where they get exercise, build social skills and learn sportsmanship,” DiVincenzo said.

Essex County Commissioner President Wayne Richardson and Newark Councilman John James were also present at an April 12 ribbon cutting to usher in the field improvements.

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