Scotch Plains Set to Replace Synthetic Turf at Southside Field
In the latest initiative to improve recreational facilities in Scotch Plains, the Township Council is considering a $300,000 bond ordinance to help fund a new synthetic turf at the Southside soccer field, at Martine Avenue and Raritan Road.
The non-profit Scotch Plains Fanwood Soccer Club (SPFSC) is committing $100,000 toward the project, estimated to cost $470,000.
The Southside Field opened in 2008 and is used daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the year. The original synthetic turf, which typically has a lifespan of up to 10 years, has never been replaced.
“The Southside Field is our latest initiative to greatly improve and expand recreational facilities in Scotch Plains,” said Mayor Josh Losardo. “We have a number of other initiatives we are considering as part of a park master plan, gauging the needs of our residents.”
Most recently, Losardo said, the township replaced the playground equipment and safety surface at Kramer Park and is putting the finishing touches on new, professional-grade basketball courts at both Farley Park and Jerseyland.
“We are listening to residents, who are asking for upgraded recreational facilities throughout our neighborhoods,” the mayor said. “If it is financially feasible, necessary and responsible, we are committed to making it happen.”
An innovative funding solution was created for Southside Field, in which the township is partnering with the soccer club, a primary user of the lighted, regulation-sized soccer field.
“There are thousands of children from our community enrolled in the soccer programs offered by SPFSC, and that number is only growing,” Councilman Matt Adams said. “Their primary playing field is the Southside Field, our only municipal-run synthetic field in town.”
Adams said he met with the SPFSC leadership just after taking office to discuss a potential partnership to fund the turf replacement.
“We are pleased to work with the soccer club to help make this project a cost-effective reality,” he said. “We also hope that this partnership serves as a model for future improvements to and the expansion of our youth sports and recreation spaces around the community.”
To secure a vendor for Southside Field, Scotch Plains will be using the purchasing cooperative through the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey, which vets companies based on experience, quality of work and pricing. It is expected the turf replacement will be done over a four-week period later this summer.