Message from Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman | May 8, 2024
With so many financial pressures on a municipal budget, prioritizing recreational facilities in our parks can quickly be disregarded as a luxury.
For too long, the parks in Scotch Plains were put on the back burner, as township leaders directed limited resources over the decades to other parts of the budget.
They had their reasons, I’m sure, but the obvious fact is that we are now quickly playing catch up. Residents of all ages have continually expressed the importance of modernizing our parks, playgrounds, and sports fields. The Township Council is listening.
When you drive around town, you can see our commitment to improving all municipal facilities for now, and for the future, as we steadily address each and every park.
By investing in these spaces, we sow the seeds for a healthier, happier, and more connected community. And the more we improve our parks, the more vibrant they become.
Our latest effort is Kramer Manor Park, a three-acre neighborhood park that is a short walk from McGinn Elementary School and is at the heart of our community.
A main focus has been the replacement of the two basketball courts and the seven tennis courts.
The basketball courts have been immensely popular over the years, especially for youth basketball programs in the warmer weather. (My son, for one, always enjoyed summer nights at Kramer Manor Park growing up.)
But, because of the extensive decay, the Recreation Department opted to relocate its summer basketball league from Kramer Manor Park to Jerseyland Park because of the condition of the courts. In fact, many recreation programs that used to take place at Kramer Manor are now based elsewhere.
Both the Recreation Commission and the Township Council found that fact completely unacceptable, which is why we will be renovating the courts as soon as possible.
As part of the plan, I am pleased to say that we plan to renovate the seven tennis courts at Kramer Manor Park too. After participating in a program on those courts last Spring and during a recent walk through the park, I saw first-hand the significant cracks and decay on the courts and just how dangerous they are for players. We have been forced to redirect competitive play elsewhere – another unfortunate fact that our local organized teams have dealt with in recent years.
We will be installing smooth, safe surfaces on those courts this year, and I am eager to move forward on a construction plan that would take about two months to complete.
Investing in our parks, playgrounds and sports fields is not just about social good; it's a smart economic move. Studies consistently show that well-maintained parks and trails increase property values in surrounding areas, attracting residents and businesses.
By moving forward with improvements in Kramer Manor Park and throughout town, we are making an investment in ourselves and our community. This ripple effect fosters a healthier, happier, and more sustainable future for Scotch Plains, while ensuring our current residents finally get the quality facilities they need and deserve.
