Bloomfield Skate Park Reopens After Radical Renovation

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A skate and bike park in Bloomfield has officially reopened after a $352,599 renovation.

The major facelift at Joseph Tiseo Ramp Park is a win for skaters and local taxpayers, since the project was done entirely through grant funding, officials announced Wednesday.

“Since the park opened in 2008, bikers and skaters from all over the community have come to Bloomfield to experience it,” Mayor Michael Venezia said. “I’m so pleased with the final outcome of the renovation.”

The fact that the town was able to pay for the project with a Community Development Block Grant didn’t hurt either, Venezia added.

According to township officials, over the past decade, the park has had minor improvements and repairs to keep it safe for bikers and skaters. But over the past few years, upkeep at the park became increasingly tougher because of exposure to the weather and constant use. Eventually, the wood frames started to deteriorate and become dry-rotted.

And a big change needed to happen, officials said.

That facelift began to take shape in 2018, when Michael Sceurman, director of the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, applied for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in an attempt to perform a complete renovation.

With the support of the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee, as well as the mayor and council, the Township of Bloomfield passed a resolution to approve the project.

A contract for the renovations was awarded to American Ramp Company for $352,599.

During the planning phase, the township and American Ramp Company collaborated with local bikers and skaters, including Adam Hauck and Michael Del Purgatorio, to create a ramp park that was “user-friendly” for beginners and experts alike. Eventually, planners decided on a “more streamlined flow” and smaller ramps and grind rail for beginners in a section of the park.

Sceurman said it was important to get input from the people who would actually be using the park. But just as important was the materials that were used, he added.

“I wanted to make sure we used metal framing along with the skatelite surfacing so that the equipment can withstand constant use and the weather in our area,” Sceurman explained. “The 15-year warranty that American Ramp Company provides assures that this park will remain safe and residents will enjoy it for many years to come.”

The demolition of the park began on July 19, and soon after, new asphalt was laid down to have a smooth riding surface. American Ramp Company mobilized and started the installation of equipment the first week of October.

For now, visitors to the park will have to follow coronavirus safety precautions, including COVID-19 social distancing. Wearing the proper safety equipment – such as helmets, elbow pads and knee pads – is also a must, officials said.

“Working collaboratively with the community we were able to complete a spectacular renovation of Joseph Tiseo Ramp Park,” Councilwoman Jenny Mundell said. “I am thankful for the hard work of all of our municipal employees that played a role in the completion of this renovation, and look forward to seeing it put to use.”

Bloomfield residents can expect more of the same in the near future, Councilman Ted Gamble said.

“The completion of the renovations to Joseph Tiseo Park is another example of our commitment to having the highest quality outdoor spaces possible for our residents,” Gamble said. “We have prioritized both growing and improving upon recreational space for our families and doing so at little or no cost to taxpayers.”

“We’ll continue to apply for grant money so that we can do outstanding future projects like this,” Gamble added.

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