New Turf At Watsessing Park: Lawn Bowling, Lacrosse, Soccer

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The lacrosse/soccer field and lawn bowling green in Essex County Watsessing Park recently got a new synthetic grass surface, which officials say will help meet a growing demand for sports fields in the area.

On Tuesday, Essex County officials announced that an $808,550 construction project has wrapped up at the Olmsted-designed park, which is located in Bloomfield and East Orange, and is also frequented by residents of other nearby towns.

According to county officials, the synthetic grass playing surfaces at both the lacrosse and soccer field and lawn bowling green needed to be replaced because of regular wear and tear.

The soccer and lacrosse field is located off of Bloomfield Avenue, and was first opened in 2010. Located off of Glenwood Avenue, the lawn bowling green had its synthetic grass surface installed in 2004.

County officials stated:

“The improvements to the soccer and lacrosse field and lawn bowling green were designed in house by the Essex County Department of Public Works, which also monitored the project to ensure delays were avoided. A publicly bid contract for $808,550 was awarded to Applied Landscape Technologies from Montville to perform the construction work. The improvements were funded through the Department of Parks budget and a grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund. The project started in March and was completed in three months.”

Several elected officials and residents praised the new turf, saying it will be a boon for local residents.

“These are both wonderful additions to Watsessing Park,” Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia said.

Glen Ridge Councilman Rich Law said the soccer and lacrosse field is important to the municipality because it has “so few fields.”

“Like they say in the movies, ‘If you build it, they will come,’” quipped Skip Arculli, a Nutley resident and member of the Essex County Lawn Bowling Association.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said that the improvements will help meet a need for “modern recreation facilities” among residents.

“Ten years ago, we created the soccer and lacrosse field to meet the growing popularity of those sports,” DiVincenzo said. “And back in 2004, we brought lawn bowling back to Essex County by creating one of the first artificial surface greens in the region. It feels good that we are able to continue to maintain and improve upon our facilities so the public can continue to enjoy the outdoors.”

“These are both tremendous projects that will greatly benefit the community,” Essex County Freeholder President Brendan Gill said. “On behalf of the freeholder board, we are proud to have partnered with the county executive on these continued enhancements.”

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