A Middlesex County plan to transform 11 acres of parkland into more than a dozen new artificial turf fields, a cricket field and additional bike paths was approved by federal officials last week.
The National Park Service released its decision Friday, agreeing to amend its decades-old agreement with the county on the permitted uses for the 171-acre Thomas A. Edison Park in Edison.
National Park Service officials made the decision after reviewing an environmental assessment, which was under public review for 30 days. Members of the public were able to comment on the proposal.
Some local residents oppose the plan, citing environmental concerns about the use of artificial turf. They also said they were worried about the cost of the use of the fields and potential overcrowding if the park is used for sports tournaments.
MORE: Neighbors are fighting over artificial turf across N.J. Here’s why.
The park, which currently has fields for baseball, soccer and softball, as well as tennis courts and a track, is located off Mill Road in Edison and is adjacent to Middlesex College.
The county’s agreement with the National Park Service “will be amended to include an expanded variety and capacity of activities offered in the park while maintaining the model airplane flying field, preserving the wetlands located in the southern part of the park, and the related recreational opportunities,” federal officials said.
“The selected action incorporates more than three acres of successional meadow into the design for birding, an increase from the originally proposed one acre, and additional walking trails and benches throughout the project area,” they said.
Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios applauded the decision.
“This new and improved park is designed for the enjoyment of County residents and visitors, to foster and address the growth of athletics and public recreation for generations to come,” he said.
AECOM, an engineering firm, prepared the environmental assessment for the county.
The Edison park has 77 acres that have already been developed with fields and paths, county officials said. It currently has 55 acres of wooded vegetation and trees — and 4.5 acres would be used for the athletic complex.
“To compensate for the vegetation impact, a new successional meadow will be planted in a 1-acre area and along paths to gradually extend the forested area,” according to the report.
In addition to the 500-foot-diameter artificial turf cricket field, the county’s plan also calls for 14 artificial turf multi-sport fields, 16 tennis courts and a fieldhouse, along with restrooms and a concessions area.
Pedestrian and bicycle paths connecting the complex to the Middlesex College campus, Raritan Center and nearby wetlands area would also be added, along with a new playground, performance sports lighting and parking for 1,350 cars.
The park’s water infrastructure will be upgraded and a new entrance will be added, according to the plan.
There are currently 16 tennis courts in the park, according to the environmental report.
Middlesex County officials needed the National Park Service’s approval to proceed on the project, due to the property’s deed agreement.
In 1964, the county acquired 161 acres of the park from the federal government at a 50% discount through a property deed, which is called the NPS Federal Lands to Parks Program today, federal officials said.
The deed says the land must be used for specific public purposes, as outlined in an agreement. It also reserves the right to return the land back to the federal government if it’s no longer being used or needed for public parks and recreation.
The county requested the National Park Service amend the agreement, which it granted.
Not everyone is in favor of the county’s project.
In March, members of the Edison Greenways Group sent a letter to county and federal officials, urging them to not use artificial turf if the project is built, citing health hazards and landfill concerns.
Walter Stochel, Jr., the group’s vice president, said he was disappointed the National Park Service agreed to amend its agreement and did not block the project.
“The Commissioners continue with their goals of totally developing Middlesex County with unwanted misguided projects,” he said, referring to the county commissioners.
Stochel and other members’ concerns include environmental damage, an increased cost for residents to use the athletic fields and overcrowding due to sports competitions. The county currently charges a $150 field permit fee, he said.
Removing 11 acres of parkland “goes against all state and federal goals to fight climate change,” Stochel said.
“It seems that when officials and agencies talk about fighting climate change, supporting sustainable development, and environmental justice, it’s just words to them when it comes to overdevelopment in Edison,” he said.
It’s unclear how much the proposed project would cost.
County officials said the park project is included in the first phase of the county’s larger community and investment plan, along with a new Middlesex County magnet school, a multi-purpose community venue and a student center.
The entire first phase is expected to cost roughly $350 million, county officials said.
“The National Park Service will continue working with Middlesex County to ensure the park remains available for public recreational use and that funds raised from new facilities are invested back into the park,” federal officials said.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.
