Play Ball: $500K For West Orange PAL Athletic Center Announced

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Ever since New Jersey Assemblyman John McKeon was a kid, the West Orange Police Athletic League (PAL) has been at the core of youth sports in the township. And last week, the assemblyman stood alongside other officials to announce a win for future generations of young athletes in West Orange.

McKeon – who represents the 27th District in the state Assembly – joined Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi and West Orange Police Athletic League President Joe DePasquale for a tour of the PAL Athletic Center on Sept. 22.

The officials highlighted a $500,000 investment in the latest state budget, which will make several field improvements at the much-used facility, including upgrading the grass baseball field to artificial turf.

DePasquale said the money will help PAL continue to meet its mission of “providing safe and fun recreational opportunities for our children.”

“The upgrades we have planned will allow the PAL baseball league to accommodate multiple age groups, expanding the use of this field,” DePasquale said.

The news got a round of applause from McKeon, Coughlin and Parisi.

“The PAL organization has been the core of youth sports in West Orange since I was a kid,” McKeon said. “I am proud to have delivered this funding to help make necessary improvements to the baseball field. This investment will ensure our youth have state of the art recreational facilities to play the sports they love.”

“Having three sons and watching them grow in little league programs similar to the West Orange PAL, I understand how important investments like these are for the children in our communities,” Coughlin agreed.

“The memories, fun and friends that are made in leagues like this are very important for our children and this investment will give kids in West Orange and neighboring towns a great place to enjoy themselves for generations to come,” Coughlin said.

“For nearly 60 years, PAL has made a significant difference in the lives of West Orange youth,” Parisi said. “This funding will help expand PAL’s reach to the community and will make sure our youth sports program keeps going strong for the next generation of West Orange athletes. PAL will be able to help all our children reach their full potential while building long lasting friendships and memories.”

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