To: New Providence Borough Council
New Providence Playing Fields: Finding the Best Solutions
Consideration of the best possible course of action for New Providence playing fields.
Why is this important?
New Providence is proposing to renovate Grove Park and Oakwood Park playing fields by replacing natural grass with synthetic turf, fencing in the park, installing field lights and increasing the parking footprint.
We appreciate the need for sustainable playing fields in New Providence, especially for children's sports. We respectfully request that the Borough Council thoroughly considers the effects of these proposed changes on the people who use these parks as well as the areas surrounding the field before moving forward.
Our collective voice includes concerned parents, property owners, town residents, neighbors and athletes. Some of us live quite close to these parks. Others of us use these parks for recreational activities that span a wide range. Still others are concerned about the precedent that these proposed changes will have on future Borough public endeavors.
We appreciate the Borough Council’s proposal to meet the needs of athletes in New Providence, and we request that the following points are duly considered before any renovations begin:
• Property values and any negative effects resulting from these proposed renovations.
• Safety issues with regard to increased car traffic to the residential areas surrounding these parks.
• Environmental impacts with regard to water flow, the woodlands and aesthetics of the areas near the park.
• Health effects with regard to the proposed synthetic playing surface, especially for children.
• Lighting impacts and pollution, especially for those living nearest to the field.
• Access to natural areas surrounding the park.
We appreciate the Borough Council’s efforts in insuring the safety and quality of life for the residents and the athletes who use this public space.
We appreciate the need for sustainable playing fields in New Providence, especially for children's sports. We respectfully request that the Borough Council thoroughly considers the effects of these proposed changes on the people who use these parks as well as the areas surrounding the field before moving forward.
Our collective voice includes concerned parents, property owners, town residents, neighbors and athletes. Some of us live quite close to these parks. Others of us use these parks for recreational activities that span a wide range. Still others are concerned about the precedent that these proposed changes will have on future Borough public endeavors.
We appreciate the Borough Council’s proposal to meet the needs of athletes in New Providence, and we request that the following points are duly considered before any renovations begin:
• Property values and any negative effects resulting from these proposed renovations.
• Safety issues with regard to increased car traffic to the residential areas surrounding these parks.
• Environmental impacts with regard to water flow, the woodlands and aesthetics of the areas near the park.
• Health effects with regard to the proposed synthetic playing surface, especially for children.
• Lighting impacts and pollution, especially for those living nearest to the field.
• Access to natural areas surrounding the park.
We appreciate the Borough Council’s efforts in insuring the safety and quality of life for the residents and the athletes who use this public space.