Princeton Seeks Grant For Permanent Outdoor Stage At Community Park North

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton is seeking state grant funding to build a permanent outdoor stage at Community Park North Amphitheater, officials said.

During Monday's meeting, Council adopted a resolution authorizing the municipality to apply for a Local Recreation Improvement Grant through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

"The previous stage (a modular unit) was in disrepair and was removed for safety reasons. The intent is to construct a permanent stage of a similar size but from decking material that will weather the elements in a superior manner," according to a Feb. 6 memo from Evan Moorhead, executive director of recreation.

The amphitheater hosts an outdoor summer concert series along with multiple other public and internal programs, according to the memo. If approved, the state grant would supplement funding already approved in Princeton's 2024 capital budget, according to the memo.

Council President Michelle Pirone Lambros thanked Moorhead for bringing to their notice the condition of the stage and for trying to get a grant to build the stage.

Mayor Mark Freda agreed with Lambros, saying grants such as these help save "our taxpayers' money."

The resolution authorizes Princeton to apply for the grant and, if awarded, to accept and execute any necessary agreements with the state Department of Community Affairs.

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