Scotch Plains Outlines Needs for Improved and Expanded Athletic Fields
Athletic Leagues Meet with Municipal, School and County Leaders to Identify How to Maximize Shared Resources
SCOTCH PLAINS – September 23, 2021 – With the growing popularity of organized sports in Scotch Plains, there is a call for more coordination among various leagues and organizations that regularly use the athletic fields throughout town.
To that end, township officials convened a meeting at Town Hall on Tuesday with all groups in Scotch Plains who schedule time on the athletic fields. The group included the Scotch Plains Recreation Commission, the Scotch Plains Recreation Department, the Board of Education, Union County and representatives of the many sports leagues in Scotch Plains. In total, there were 18 representatives convening with the singular goal of ensuring easier access to quality fields.
“We hope this meeting was the beginning of many important conversations to improve and expand our athletic facilities in a coordinated way that benefits all parties,” said Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo. “Together, we must identify ways in which we can best leverage our limited resources, from the municipality, the school district and the county, to serve our ever-expanding leagues.”
Attendees discussed the need to improve the current fields, following this summer’s successful project to re-turf the Southside Field. Also, the group identified under-used resources in Scotch Plains, such as fields at the Terrill and Park middle schools that require extensive work. Moreover, there was discussion about the Union County Vocational-Technical High School, where the county has been considering significant field upgrades.
Michael Walsh, chair of the Scotch Plains Recreation Commission, said these “allied association” meetings have been held regularly, but haven’t taken place during the pandemic. “It’s great to be able to restart these meetings, as we roll out the municipal master plan for our recreational facilities,” he said.
Councilman Matt Adams, who urged the groups to convene, said there is an urgency to address capacity issues, noting the leaders of the various athletic leagues are reporting ever-increasing enrollment numbers.
“The number of participants is at an all-time high and we, as a community, need to plan,” Adams said. “It is great to see these leagues embracing more inclusive programs, including more children with special needs. And we are pleased that there are more residents than ever who want to enjoy the fields. Now is the time to collectively address our priorities.”
The councilman noted the fields are now being used throughout the year, for a growing number of sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, football and lacrosse. All of these organizations have leagues and all are vying for allotted times. There is now interest in girl’s field hockey and rugby programs, as well.