Carteret, NJ – Mayor Dan Reiman announced that the Borough of Carteret will partner with the Carteret Board of Education to renovate the High School athletic track and field facilities, as well as the adjacent Walter B. Overholt Jr. Memorial Stadium. Under the agreement approved by the Borough Council and the Board of Education, the Borough will partner with the board to enhance the schools facilities as well as have the field used as a park. Once completely renovated it will be available for use by the public after school hours.
The overall project will consist of two phases according to Mayor Reiman. “The first part of the project will be the complete replacement of the field and the track. After we have completed those improvements we will turn our attention to improving the stadium to include ADA compliant restrooms and other modern amenities.”
Phase I of the renovation project involves the construction of a multi-purpose synthetic turf field at the Carteret High School that will be marked for uses such as football, band and soccer. The existing asphalt track will be reconstructed to regulation size with a new rubberized surface and lane markings. Added field improvements will include areas for shot put, pole vault, long, triple and high jump, and discus.
“These renovations will help enhance the quality of the competitive experience for our student athletes.” said Reiman “At the same time, by making the facilities available to the public when not in use for school activities we are providing our residents with a new park and adding active recreational opportunities for local youth sports and recreation.”
The cost of Phase I will be $1.95 million dollars and will be funded in part from the Board of Education’s Capital Improvement account and in part from the Borough’s Capital account.
“By combining our resources, we are able to move forward with these much needed improvements.” said Councilman Vinnie Bellino who heads the Borough’s Parks and Recreation Committee.
Board of Education President Marty Murray also called the improvements “long overdue” and noted the importance of the Borough’s involvement with the project.
“The scheduled improvements to the stadium are long overdue. The Board of Education working with Mayor Reiman and Borough Council are going to give the students a safe, state of the art facility they will be able to use for multiple sports and events for years to come,” said Murray.
Also included in Phase I are security fencing installation, utility upgrades, lighting upgrades and site improvements. A groundbreaking for the project is scheduled for February 28th at 1 p.m. with Phase I expected to be open in time for the High School Graduation in June, with 100% completion by year end.
Reiman added, “This is a great example of local shared service with both boards working together to identify and address issues that are of concern. It is a win-win when you can combine resources and add value to the community. I commend the Council and the Board of Education on this partnership and I look forward to finding ways to work with them for the benefit of our children in the future.”
