The below replaces an earlier version.
VILLAS – Lower Township Council tabled a resolution, at its May 17 meeting, that would have awarded a $2.744 million contract with Fred M. Schiavone Construction to build the Clem Mulligan Sports Complex, in Villas. The resolution is expected to be on the June 7 council meeting agenda.
Council did, however, pass a resolution to pay DeBlasio and Associates $85,000 for work on the construction phase of the complex.
Lower Township Manager Michael Laffey announced a $1.223 million Open Space grant at the Jan. 20 council meeting (https://bit.ly/33ZKxHQ). The money will help fund a $2 million upgrade to the park, at Harvard and Tomlin avenues.
Council passed a $1.5 million bond ordinance, at its June 15, 2020, meeting (https://bit.ly/3otICEO), and a $400,000 Clean Communities grant has been set aside for the work.
The new park will sit on the same footprint as the current park, but will feature considerable upgrades, including a regulation Little League field, a soccer/all-purpose field, resurfaced basketball courts, age-specific playgrounds, a lighted walking path, and a new snack bar with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant bathrooms.
Security concerns at the park were addressed with new lighting and low-height shrubbery. The park will not be completely locked down at night, with the walking trail available at all hours.
The playground area will feature new equipment, with age-specific play areas for children 2-5 years old and another for 5-12 years old.
The basketball court backboards were recently upgraded, but the court will be resurfaced.
Parking will be available on the Bates and Caroline avenues sides of the field.
