Long-awaited Tindall Dog Park opening soon
By Stephen Appezzato
MIDDLETOWN – Pooches and people will be happy to hear about multiple upcoming park improvements, in addition to the grand opening of Tindall Dog Park.
The township committee introduced an ordinance to greenlight $2.2 million in spending for an array of park improvements.
Notably, Tindall Park will see the bulk of these funds. All 16 of the existing tennis courts will be resurfaced. Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante said they will also replace the fencing, update the lighting, nets and colors, as well as address some drainage issues on the property. Mercantante said eight courts will be resurfaced at a time to accommodate high school tennis seasons.
Pickleball players will be happy to hear that new pickleball-only courts will be installed at Tindall, too. These changes are expected to begin in the spring.
Other additions include a new sign at historic Poricy Park, construction of a picnic shelter at Bodman Park, and an overhaul of the fieldhouse at McMahon Park. Croydon Hall will also receive some funding for new door locks.
Mayor Tony Perry said the ordinance introduced is “a perfect example of our commitment to constantly improving our parks.”
The township has more than 6,000 acres of preserved open space and more than 70 parks. “Middletown is rich in the diverse outdoor areas that we have to offer,” Perry said.
Man’s best friend will be wagging their tales with the news that the construction at Tindall Dog Park is nearly complete, featuring separate spaces for small and large dogs and even an agility course. The grand opening which was scheduled for September was delayed. However, with the parking lot, new lighting, water fountains and dog apparatus complete, the end is in sight.
Mercantante said that a small section of the dog park is being modified to fix a drainage issue, but they “expect this work to be completed and the grand opening to be held in the next few weeks.”
The township will finance $2,147,950 of the improvements through bonds, while $113,050 will be drawn from the Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund as a down payment.
“Our parks provide a variety of recreational opportunities so that everyone can find something they enjoy,” Perry said. “With our first municipally-owned, all-inclusive park coming soon, this investment allows us to continue this type of pattern and ensure that our parks are safe, fun and accessible for all our residents,” he added.
The bond ordinance introduced will be voted on in the township committee’s upcoming meeting.
The article originally appeared in the November 23 – November 30, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
