MANCHESTER –Township officials are recognizing Albert Yodakis, the township’s director of public works, utilities and engineering, after he received a Distinguished Engineering Award from the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers for his role in the rehabilitation of Tuskegee Airmen Park.
Mayor Joseph Hankins and the Township Council praised Yodakis for leading the redesign and reconstruction of the park, calling the project an example of innovation, efficiency and community-focused planning.
“Albert’s leadership on this project transformed a park that was in serious need of attention into a welcoming, family-friendly space,” Hankins said. “The work met every goal set by the administration and council while being completed in a creative and cost-conscious manner.”
Hankins said the revitalized park reflects both the township’s history and its future, noting that the project balances practical recreation needs with meaningful recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen legacy.
In addition to Yodakis’ individual honor, the project also earned an Honorable Mention Award from the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers in the category of municipal construction projects, highlighting Manchester Township’s emphasis on quality public improvements and fiscal responsibility.
Tuskegee Airmen Park, located off Route 571 near Manchester Middle School and the Richards Estates neighborhood, maintains elements of its original design while offering new recreational features. The updated park includes an aviation-themed playground with aircraft-inspired structures, a control-tower play unit with an enclosed two-story slide, and a newly built red, white and blue basketball court. A monument and informational signage at the entrance honor the historic Tuskegee Airmen.
Township officials said the park renovation is part of a broader effort to upgrade aging recreational facilities across Manchester. By using in-house staff for both design and construction, the township has been able to complete significant improvements while reducing costs to taxpayers.
