Photos
Ribbon Cutting at Pondarosa Farm Park
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 • 10:32pm
SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ - While most official functions tend to be for adults only, the official ribbon cutting to open Ponderosa Farm Park was an exception, with children welcome to try out everything from the new water features to the play sets.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella officiated at the ribbon cutting opening the Park at 1600 Cooper Road in Scotch Plains. He is joined by (from left) Freeholder Daniel Sullivan, Freeholder Vernell Wright, Freeholder Christopher Hudak, former Scotch Plains Mayor Nancy Malool, Scotch Plains Councilman Kevin Glover, Bruce Bechtloff of NJDEP, Assemblywoman Linda Stender, Scotch Plains Mayor Mary DePaola, Scotch Plains Councilman Mickey Marcus and former Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks.
The project has been underway for some time, and Chairman Mirabella was truly excited by the finished product. Freeholder Daniel Sullivan spoke and outlined the positive aspects of the Park for Scotch Plains, starting with the fact that is saved 23 acres of farmland from commercial development.
The new park includes walking trails, two multipurpose athletic fields and farm-themed playgrounds with spray fountains. The park also has restroom facilities, a picnic area and ample parking. It will be maintained by the township of Scotch Plains but will remain part of the Union County Park System.
The property was purchased for $10 million with combined funding from the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program.
Back in 2006 a petting zoo was established in the area, much to the chagrin of local residents. The decision to close the zoo and redevelop the site was welcomed, especially by all residents who lived down wind.
In her comments, Mayor DePaola pointed out that the park represents the power of the town's partnership with Union County “What we have here in Ponderosa Farm Park is a tremendous opportunity for recreation and fun for out residents…and we look forward to many happy years here enjoying the facility.”
