Westfield Sports Complex Set For Major Turf, Parking Upgrades

WESTFIELD, NJ — A major upgrade project is coming to Westfield’s Houlihan/Sid Fay sports complex, where crews will soon begin replacing two synthetic turf fields and making additional improvements to the popular recreation facility.

The $880,000 project will replace two heavily used turf fields that town officials said have reached the end of their usable lifespan after years of use by youth sports teams, recreation programs and community groups.

Construction is scheduled to begin around July 20, with the new turf fields targeted for completion by the end of August, according to Mayor Jeremy Berman.

During the first phase of the project, the Recreation Department will work with local athletic leagues to move scheduled field activities to alternate locations while the turf replacement is underway.

After the new fields are installed, work will shift to other improvements at the complex, including an expanded parking lot, new restrooms and a storage facility.

That phase of construction will affect access to the fields. The town said the fields will not be available during active construction hours, Monday through Friday until 5 p.m., but will remain available after 5 p.m. on weekdays and throughout weekends.

The parking lot will also close during this portion of the project. Officials said visitors will need to use entrances along Lamberts Mill Road, while the town works on temporary parking arrangements that will be announced before construction begins.

The Houlihan/Sid Fay complex is one of Westfield’s busiest recreation facilities, hosting youth sports practices, games and community activities throughout the year.

Berman said the project will require some temporary adjustments but will provide improvements for residents who rely on the facility.

"While this project will create some short-term inconvenience, we are very enthusiastic about the end result — a modern, upgraded recreational complex with improved parking and safety measures that will better serve the Westfield community for years to come," Berman said.

The Westfield Town Council approved funding for the project last month, allowing the town to move forward with construction plans and contract approvals.

Officials said additional updates about field schedules, parking arrangements and construction impacts will be shared as the work progresses