Township Will Seek Grant Money for Upgrades at Memorial Field

Washington Township councilmen agreed Monday to apply for grant funds for park and playground equipment upgrades at , though there was discussion about having a larger plan in place first.

The matching grant would cover upgrades to the scoreboard, basketball courts and playground equipment, according to Mayor Janet Sobkowicz.

Councilman Joseph D'Urso, who was the lone vote against the measure, said he would rather do larger improvements to the field.

"Instead of throwing $50,000 into the basketball court and pavilion area there, I think we really need to concentrate on that field," D'Urso said.

Other councilmen said they were worried that they would buy new equipment and then the configuration for Memorial Field would change. Vice President Steve Cascio said he wants to have a master plan for the fields in the township to avoid unexpected changes. He pointed out that if the township can acquire the property next to Memorial Field, it could mean changes to the different aspects of the site.

Sobkowicz said equipment received through the matching grant, if awarded, could be moved. She added that it often takes quite a bit of time before the items arrive so officials would have a better idea about all of the upgrades by then.

Council President Goetz said as long as officials could wait to install the items until after they have a plan, he favored applying for the grants, which cover smaller ticket items and not any planning costs.

The majority of the council agreed.

The next township council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 26.