WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield is moving ahead with repairs to all 65 benches at Mindowaskin Park.
The Town Council voted at its Aug. 11 meeting to approve a contract not to exceed $130,675 for replacement slats.
During the council meeting, Mayor Jeremy Berman said many of the benches "have deteriorated significantly over time and are in need of repair."
Berman said the work marks a shift in how the park is maintained.
"While their maintenance historically has been handled by the Friends of Mindowaskin Park, the town is stepping in to ensure the project gets done and will assume all park maintenance going forward," he said at the meeting.
According to the resolution, the town determined the replacement of deteriorated bench slats is necessary "to maintain safe and functional recreational facilities."
The resolution authorizes the purchase through Ben Schaeffer Recreation, of Lake Hopatcong, using the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey Cooperative Pricing System.
The resolution says the town solicited proposals from cooperative pricing vendors and determined that Ben Schaeffer Recreation's proposal "is the most beneficial for the needs of the Town."
Berman said, "This contract will provide the materials needed to refurbish the benches as we look forward to restoring them for the many residents who enjoy the park every day."
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