06 Jun ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW ATHLETIC COMPLEX IN ESSEX COUNTY VAILSBURG PARK Football/Soccer Field, Baseball Field, Softball Field and Track Facility would be Home Fields for Essex County Schools of Technology Athletic Teams & be Open for Public Use
Published on June 6, 2022
Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced construction was underway for a new athletic complex at Essex County Vailsburg Park in Newark on Monday, June 6th. The facilities at the complex would become the home fields for the Essex County Schools of Technology athletic teams as well as be open to the public. The project is part of the County Executive’s ongoing initiative to revitalize the Essex County Parks System and provide up-to-date recreation facilities that meet the changing needs of the community.
“Updating Vailsburg Park with a state-of-the-art complex will provide our student-athletes with the home fields they need to compete and modern places for our residents and community organizations to exercise,” DiVincenzo said. “We are always looking for new ways to enhance our parks and open spaces. Joining with the Schools of Technology was the perfect partnership to revitalize Vailsburg Park,” he added.
“I am proud of the teamwork organized by the County Executive to put this project in in place. This will benefit our schools, but it will be an even greater asset to the community,” Commissioner Rufus Johnson said. “I am honored to work with the County Executive on another great project. Not only will our schools have home fields, but the improvements will improve and benefit the lives of the people in the community,” Commissioner Brendan Gill said. “I am excited to support this wonderful project. This is a wonderful investment in the park that also improves the community,” Commissioner Tyshammie Cooper said.
“Twenty years ago, the County Executive was listening when Newark Tech students asked for a gymnasium to be built at the school. Two decades later, Joe is still listening. He keeps giving us brand new school buildings and facilities to benefit our students,” Essex County Schools of Technology Superintendent Dr. James Pedersen said.
“It is tremendous to have these three sports facilities in one area. It will bring us to another level,” Essex County Schools of Technology Athletic Director Gerhard Sanchez said.
“I am really excited to compete on a track that we can call our own. To potentially have a senior night when we can look back on our careers will be good. We wouldn’t be able to do that without our own track,” Payne Tech junior and track team member Morgan Cooley said. Addressing his remarks to the County Executive, Newark Tech sophomore and track team member Kareem Corey said “Thank you for all that you have done. On behalf of all the athletes, we appreciate the new facilities.” “It is heartwarming that the district is listening to what the students need. You are providing us with good academic facilities and now you are providing the fields for the athletes,” said Amalia Leiva, a junior at West Caldwell School of Technology and a member of the cross country team.
“On Friday night I attended the School of Technology’s production of ‘High School Musical,’ and I look forward to returning to this complex to watch our talented student-athletes compete,” Essex County Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne said.
The project includes replacing four Little League baseball fields with a football/soccer field, rubberized running track, baseball field, Little League/softball field and a basketball court. The football/soccer field, baseball field and softball field would have synthetic grass surfaces and sports lighting to maximize use of the facilities. The fields would have sports lighting and benches for spectators. In addition, the wrought iron fence along the Oraton Parkway side of the park will be moved in about eight feet and a new sidewalk and guardrail will be installed to enhance pedestrian safety.
The fields in Vailsburg Park were last updated in 2007 and need to be modernized because of regular wear and tear. Each field has natural grass surfaces which makes using the fields difficult after rain or inclement weather.
French and Parrello from Wall received a professional services contract to design the park improvements. Applied Landscape Technologies from Montville was awarded a publicly bid contract for $7,541,723 to perform the construction work. The Essex County Department of Public Works is monitoring the project so delays can be avoided. The improvements are being funded through the Essex County Capital Budget and with a $3.5 million grant from the Essex County Schools of Technology District. Work started in May 2022 and is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2023.
Revitalizing Essex County Vailsburg Park
The playground was modernized with new equipment and a rubberized safety surface and the restroom building by the playground was renovated in 2019. The senior building received a comprehensive facelift in 2016. The six Little League baseball fields were upgraded and a synthetic grass surface was installed on one field near South Munn Avenue and Plymouth Street in 2007. In addition, decorative lighting was installed, park entrances were enhanced, ornamental fencing was installed around the park’s perimeter, and tree maintenance was performed. Earlier in 2003, new equipment and a rubberized safety surface were installed in the playground.
The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. The Park System consists of more than 6,000 acres and has 23 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, Treetop Adventure Course, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, two miniature golf courses, five off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens. Vailsburg Park is 30.32 acres and is the 10th largest park within the Essex County Park System. Land for the park was purchased in 1917 and major design improvements were completed in the 1920s.