Mendham Township Moves Forward On Historic Park Contract

MENDHAM, NJ - In a bit of hometown serendipity, the Mendham Township Committee awarded the contract for the construction of the Historic Park at Pitney Farm to low bidder Wicklow and Laurano Landscape and Excavating Contractors.

The founder of the firm is John Wicklow, a lifelong resident of Mendham Township. His 22-year-old firm has supported several public projects over the years.

Work on the park will begin in April.

“We need about two weeks for the bonds and other paperwork. We have the park on our schedule for a tentative start date in early April,” Wicklow said. “We are very excited to be doing this project for what it stands for and what it will bring to the town. Being a lifelong Mendham resident, it’s nice to be able to put a personal touch on the town.”

Mendham Township Mayor Sarah Neibart said the town is eager to enjoy this new asset.

"We are looking forward to a ribbon cutting the week after Labor Day,” she said.

Nick Monaghan, Mendham Township deputy mayor and member of the park steering committee, added that “the park is a great use of our open space, and it will be the only handicapped accessible park in the Township.”

The long-awaited construction on the seven-acre parcel at 1 Cold Hill Road was subject to competitive bidding. Nine companies submitted bids, with Wicklow’s at $640,739.35 the lowest. The Township Committee added a one-percent contingency allowance, for a total award not to exceed $647,146.74.

“The bidding was remarkably competitive,” with several top-notch firms putting themselves in the running," Mendham Township interim administrator Bob Casey said. “The bids were very detailed, which is great because it eliminates any guesswork about the project.”

Most of the cost of the park construction will be covered by two grants obtained by Mendham Township, including a Green Acres grant from the state of New Jersey and a trail construction grant from Morris County. The grants require matching funds of 50 percent and 20 percent, respectively, from the town. These will include a cash contribution that was funded in 2019 and in-kind work performed over the past several months by Mendham Township’s Department of Public Works.

Featured on the completed property will be new trees and plantings, rain garden-like meadows, and a half-mile pervious surface trail suitable for walkers, joggers and those using wheelchairs, walkers or other means of assistance.

“It is especially gratifying that, with all the beautiful hiking trails Mendham Township offers, this will be the first geared to the enjoyment of those less able to take advantage of our great open space,” said Diana Orban Brown, former mayor and coordinator of the appointed steering committee overseeing the construction initiative.

Orban Brown said that certain components of the park, including some not eligible for grant money, will be made available for sponsorships or dedications.

“We have heard from residents that they would like to dedicate some of the specimen trees, for example, in honor of or in memory of loved ones. Also, a split-rail perimeter fence and restoration of the Walled Garden, Seed House and gazebo may also be available for sponsorships,” she said.

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store.