Park improvements subject of Feb. 6 public meeting

SPOTSWOOD- Borough officials will present a proposed plan for Mundy Avenue Park to the public at a special meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 6 in the municipal courtroom, Summerhill Road.

The improvements to the borough's largest park will be funded with a $500,000 open space and recreation grant from the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The board authorized the grant award in December.

The funds will be used to purchase and install new playground equipment, improve access for disabled residents, lay new sidewalks, install lighting and a parking lot, and create a safe pedestrian walkway leading from the adjacent DeVoe Lake. The park also will feature a full basketball court that in the winter can be transitioned into an ice rink, according to a press release from the county.

"My freeholder colleagues and I are happy to help the borough of Spotswood provide a safe, accessible park for their residents to enjoy," Freeholder Director David B. Crabiel said. "Granting recreation funds to individual municipalities enables us to better meet the needs of our residents."

Spotswood Councilman Thomas Barlow, who spearheaded the request for the funds, thanked the freeholders for their action.

"We couldn't be happier with the generosity and support of the freeholders for the residents of Spotswood," Barlow said. "This will mean that the children in town will have a place to play in a safe environment. We'll get a lot of use out of it."

Members of the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and comment on the proposed improvements before a final plan is approved, according to borough officials.