Milltown and No. Bruns. welcome new ball fields
M illtown and North Brunswick celebrated the groundbreaking of new ball fields that lie between the two towns.

Middlesex County is replacing an existing Little League field, building a multipurpose field for football, soccer and lacrosse and adding a playground, comfort station, lighting and walking and hiking trails to a 25-acre site it purchased in 2004 for recreation purposes.

About 10 acres of the total property, which is the former site of DKM, lies along Route 1 north and will remain untouched open space.

The project went out to bid in June and is expected to cost $5 million.

"With the good of the public in mind, the Board of Chosen Freeholders grabbed the bull by the horns and saved this land frombecoming yet another high traffic, noise generating shopping mall," Freeholder Director David B. Crabiel said. "Instead, these 25 acres will be dedicated to making our young people stronger and healthier."

North Brunswick and Milltown officials asked the county to help them meet their need for recreational facilities and fields.

"[Crabiel] had a vision to provide this area of the county with additional recreational facilities where they are sorely needed. When the opportunity to obtain this prime site presented itself, Dave dug in and fought hard until he sealed the deal," said Freeholder Deputy Director Stephen J. "Pete" Dalina.

A brief groundbreaking ceremony held recentlywas followed by a community celebration by about 100 people.