Pickleball Courts in Weequahic Park: Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. recently announced the completion of modernization efforts at Weequahic Park, located along Elizabeth Avenue in Newark. The upgrades include revitalized basketball and tennis courts as well as the addition of pickleball courts, a response to the sport’s growing popularity.
- Modernization Highlights:
- New surfaces, fencing, and equipment for tennis and basketball courts.
- One tennis court converted into two pickleball courts.
- Project cost: $861,980, funded by the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund.
“Residents rely on our parks system for recreation, relaxation and exercise. Updating the basketball and tennis courts and including pickleball courts helps meet the demand of these popular sports and provides residents with modern facilities to play on.” – (Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr.)
“Residents rely on our parks system for recreation, relaxation, and exercise,” DiVincenzo noted, emphasizing the importance of meeting the community’s needs with state-of-the-art facilities.
A History of Upgrades
The tennis and basketball courts, last renovated in 2012, were showing signs of wear and tear. Designed and monitored by the Essex County Department of Public Works, the current upgrades were completed in just three months by Shore Top Construction Corp., ensuring minimal disruption to park visitors.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Essex County Weequahic Park. Future projects include:
- Renovating the Essex County Weequahic Golf Course.
- Modernizing the walking track and exercise stations around the lake.
Partnerships Driving Revitalization
Since its establishment in 1895, the Essex County Park System has expanded to encompass 6,000 acres, including 20 parks and five reservations. Weequahic Park, spanning 311.33 acres, stands as a testament to the county’s commitment to preserving recreational spaces.
- Recent enhancements:
- Synthetic grass fields.
- Upgraded playgrounds and community centers.
- Improved park entrances.
DiVincenzo’s administration has partnered with organizations like the New Jersey Green Acres program and the Essex County Parks Foundation to secure necessary funding.
A Legacy of Community Recreation
Weequahic Park, one of the first county parks in the nation, continues to serve as a hub for recreation and community engagement. The addition of pickleball courts exemplifies the park system’s adaptability to evolving recreational trends, ensuring residents have access to diverse and modern facilities.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts in Weequahic Park
Weequahic Park in Newark has opened updated tennis and basketball courts, featuring new surfaces and equipment. A tennis court was also transformed into two pickleball courts to meet the rising demand for the sport.
Funded through an $861,980 grant, the project was completed in three months. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. highlighted this effort as part of ongoing plans to modernize the Essex County Parks System, which spans 6,000 acres and includes 20 parks and five reservations.
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