West Orange Proposes Upgrades At Colgate, Degnan Parks

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The Township of West Orange is trying to score some money from the state to make upgrades at Colgate and Degnan parks.

Town officials have released information about each proposal, noting that they are seeking funding through the New Jersey Green Acres program.

Details about the town’s pending Green Acres applications can be seen online here, including concept plans, preliminary cost estimates and environmental impact assessments.

A public hearing for both proposals will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the West Orange Town Council chambers, 66 Main Street. Written comments on the proposed application can be directed to James Abbott, interim business administrator, at jabbott@westorange.org.

An online community survey for the Colgate Park proposal can be found here.

An online community survey for the Degnan Park proposal can be found here.

COLGATE PARK (Cherry Street and Franklin Avenue)

Purpose – The Township of West Orange proposes improvements at Colgate Park through the installation of a new, “completely inclusive playground” to replace the existing kiddie park.

Objectives – The Colgate Park Kiddie Park, which was last updated in 2008, currently features wood mulch surfacing which provides very limited access to individuals utilizing strollers, wheelchairs, walkers or individuals with balance and mobility issues. The 15-plus-year-old equipment is in need of an update to meet the needs of the community. As part of this project, the existing equipment will be demolished and removed along with the existing surfacing. The new Kiddie Park will be designed for ages 5 through 12 and will have a unitary poured in place rubber surface which will provide an accessible route to all play areas. The new play components will feature all-inclusive play components such as access boards, multi-sensory play experiences, transfer stations, ramps and adaptive equipment along with areas that provide shade for the users.

Price – $670,030 estimated total cost

DEGNAN PARK (650 Pleasant Valley Way and Alisa Drive)

Purpose – The Township of West Orange proposes improvements at Degnan Park for the Vincent Pond Walkway and Dredging Improvements project.

Objectives – The objectives are to reconstruct the deteriorated walkway around the pond and to dredge the pond with approved New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection methods to remove accumulated sediment, silt, and debris from the bottom of the lake to maintain its water clean, original depth, biological process and ecosystem.

Price – $1,990,047 estimated total cost

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