Middle Township Receives Grant from County Open Space Board

RIO GRANDE — Middle Township officials are delighted to announce a Cape May County Open Space Program grant award in the amount of $1,290,630 for the construction of “Rio Grande Park.”
Significant public input was sought and received for this project. Officials wanted to know exactly what the residents wanted in the recreation complex, while ensuring the township’s Open Space and Recreation Plan was followed. As part of the Plan’s extensive public input, interviews with 25 sports and environmental groups were conducted, 188 public surveys were completed, and two well-attended public meetings were held.
The proposed recreation development is well positioned in the heart of Rio Grande, and is right on the County-wide bike path on Railroad Avenue just north of Route 47. It is envisioned that this facility will be a destination with a wide array of activities that will attract people of all ages.
“We are extremely appreciative of the support from the Open Space Board and their commitment to Middle Township,” Mayor Michael Clark said. “We look forward to providing quality recreation amenities to our residents and visitors alike.”
The following improvements are being included: large and small dog park, basketball courts, multi-use courts that host tennis and pickleball, bike repair station, bike racks, water fountains, bocce courts, shaded tables and benches, gazebo with picnic tables, security cameras, message center and significant open lawn area with electric for movies, public speaking and dedications. In addition, this project will provide a protected off-road location for motorists to park and use the bike path.
“This is great news for township residents and all those who use the quickly expanding bike path system,” Committeeman Tim Donohue said. “I applaud the great teamwork by Township employees, our design professionals and our Recreation Advisory Board that will help make this vision a reality.”