LACEY – Spring is now in full swing and it is peak season for spending time outdoors at the park or near the water. Lacey Township is embarking on some major capital improvement projects to its parks and lakes to enhance spring and summer time fun for all of its residents.
As part of the 2019 municipal budget, Lacey Township has set aside three major parks and infrastructure projects at Gille Park, Bamber Lake, and Lake Barnegat.
Township officials recently gave the go-ahead for renovations to the Gille Park playground which will begin sometime after Lacey Day in September 2019.
“Gille Park playground was initially completed in 1996 as a joint venture with the Rotary Club of Forked River and has seen its fulfillment of kids. Parts are no longer available and the governing body authorized the rehabilitation of the playground,” stated a township release.
The project will begin with the removal of the old, outdated equipment. New drainage and new rubberized floor matting will then be installed. The rubber floor is safer for “the young and the young at heart” who spend time on the playground, according to township officials. Residents who frequent Bayfront Park will be familiar with this time of rubberized floor as opposed to the former mulch floor.
Even more, Gille Park’s playground will now have access to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) complaint equipment for special needs individuals.
“In addition, the Township will install additional lighting around the Gille Walking Path which is funded by Walters Development Group in the amount of $100,000,” stated the release.
MRC Recreation will be installing the playground, which is expected to be up and running for spring 2020.
In addition to this undertaking, the township also plans to install a new playground on the eastern side of Bamber Lake.
“A year ago we were informed by our insurance adjuster that the park was non-compliant and needed to be removed. We have contracted with Ben Schaffer Recreation to install a new playground at the lake,” stated the release.
The third project, and one already well-received by residents, is happening at Lake Barnegat. Lacey Township will be installing an inflatable water park on the lake, open to use by both kids and adults.
“The unveiling is anticipated for late June – early July. This adventure can even be rented by the residents for kid’s birthday parties. Commercial Recreation Specialists will be assisting with the purchase of this adventure,” stated the township.
In addition to these fun-filled revamps, Lacey’s capital improvement projects around town also include:
- Street improvements to sections of Laurel Boulevard, Nautilus Boulevard, the Northwest Barnegat Pines – East /West Arteries.
- The dredging of Hancy’s Pond
- Storm Sewer Mapping
- Improvements to the roof and HVAC system of the Municipal Building
- Painting of the awnings at the Municipal Building & Police Headquarters.
- New passenger bus for the Recreation Department
- Remounting the chassis of an ambulance for Lacey EMS
- New radios, pagers, turnout gear, AED’s and air packs for the Fire Companies/First Aid Squads
- For police: new patrol vehicles, body cameras for the sworn officers, radios, a Speed Trailer and two Light Towers
- Replacement of some Public Works trucks and equipment.
The township is telling residents to expect “quite a facelift” in Lacey Township.
