Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis and Township officials celebrated the start of the renovation of two neighborhood parks at a special groundbreaking ceremony on June 10.  The parks to be renovated are Frede Park, Frede Drive and Norman J. Sherman Park on Village Way.

“These pocket parks are important to the quality of life of residents who live near them,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Unfortunately, many of these parks have fallen by the wayside.  Instead of being places to play, they have become places to avoid.  That neglect will continue no longer.”

The planned renovations to Frede Drive Park include a new basketball court, playground equipment, fencing and landscaping.  Norman J. Sherman Park’s renovations will include two new outdoor basketball courts, playground equipment, a tot lot, picnic benches, an all purpose field, a parking area, walking path, fencing and curbing.

The park renovations are being paid for in part by Green Acres funding.  The Township was awarded $1,100,000 for the improvements.  The remaining costs will be covered by a zero percent loan that the Township will pay off over twenty years.  “We have been very successful in pursuing alternative revenue sources such as this grant to pay for improvement projects,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We will continue to pursue these revenue sources in the future to lessen the impact on our taxpayers.”

Mayor Acropolis estimates that it has been nearly two decades since the last full-scale renovation of a pocket park in the community.  “These parks were not as much as a priority as concerts and parties for past administrations,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “I am committed to giving young people and families safe, modern parks to spend time together.  These parks are just the beginning.”

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