Perhaps you have wondered how Monsignor Owens Park got its name? This park is a vibrant hub of activity. Let’s dive into its story. Monsignor Owens Park is located on Park Avenue in Nutley New Jersey. The park covers 11.77 acres. It offers a variety of facilities for sports and recreation.
In 2012 Monsignor Owens Park underwent significant improvements. These upgrades cost nearly $1.3 million. The park installed a synthetic turf multipurpose playing surface. This new surface accommodates two softball fields. It also has a football field, a perimeter track and two short side soccer fields.
The project received partial reimbursement funding. Green Acres provided a grant and a low interest loan. This totaled about $750000. However the funding faced a close call. A composting facility was discovered at Monsignor Owens Park. This was considered an inappropriate use of parkland. A cell phone tower was also found.
The township had to address these issues to secure the funding. Mauro Tucci the Parks and Recreation Commissioner explained the situation. He said the Department of Public Works used land near the park as a staging area for recycling. Tucci clarified that this area was never intended as parkland.
The state initially considered this a potential problem. But Nutley was able to prove it was a genuine error. The state was persuaded that the listing of the DPW facility as parkland was a mistake. The cell tower was also deemed to be outside of the park boundaries. As a result the state agreed to release the funding. They released 50% initially. The balance came after a survey of the site and a public hearing.
Monsignor Owens Park offers many facilities. These include baseball and softball fields. There are also tennis courts and a football field. A field house provides amenities. A parking lot is available for visitors. A soccer and lacrosse field completes the offerings. The park also has artificial lights. This allows for evening games and activities. The field size is small. It is suitable for 8 vs 8 games.
In 1968 there was a proposal to develop Msgr. Owens Park. It was included in a plan for a total recreational complex. This plan aimed to turn the park into a recreational area for the public. The project was valued at $825000. It was intended as a gift to Nutley.
Monsignor Owens Park stands as a testament to community collaboration. It also highlights the importance of preserving green spaces.