MATAWAN – In a move to seek funding for the Gravelly Brook Park Phase III improvements, the Matawan Borough Council has passed a resolution and will apply for a Monmouth County open space grant.
The council took the action on Sept. 18.
The Gravelly Brook Park rehabilitation project’s Phase III improvements will consist of adding restrooms, a snack stand, additional off-street parking and a pavilion, Mayor Joseph Altomonte said.
“We are looking into adding parking so this ongoing issue (can be resolved),” he said.
Gravelly Brook Park is off Route 79, in a development that includes Villanova Place, Victoria Court and Claire Court.
Phase I of the rehabilitation project began in May 2017. Work completed by Precise Construction included site clearing, soil and erosion control, upgrading multipurpose sports fields, irrigation improvements and the demolition of an outdated and dilapidated building.
Altomonte said Phase I was paid for by using a $250,000 grant.
The rehabilitation project is now in Phase II, which includes additional site work, a new basketball court to replace a court that is unusable, a new tot lot with new playground equipment, new lighting for the sports fields that have been upgraded, and new walkways that will improve safety and access to the new recreational facilities, the mayor said.
Phase II improvements are being paid for with grant funding and will be completed by the spring of 2019, according to Altomonte.
The mayor said Matawan officials will await a response from the county regarding the Phase III grant. He said they are hoping the improvements proposed in Phase III will be completed by the summer or fall of 2019.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
