Cinnaminson Awarded Grant, Will Rehab Memorial Park Structure

Cinnaminson can finally move forward with renovating the bathrooms at since the town was awarded a county grant worth more than $100,000.

But township officials didn’t get the full amount they asked for—so other park projects will have to be put on hold.

County freeholders this week approved $5 million under the Municipal Park Development Assistance Program for 28 towns. Cinnaminson will get $135,000 for park improvements. Mayor Don Brauckmann, who also serves as the director of parks and recreation, said the township asked for $250,000 for Memorial Park and also for a walking path around . That latter project will have to wait.

“These grants are instrumental,” Brauckmann said. “We’re excited and thankful to the freeholders. It’s pretty much going to finish off the Memorial Park project.”

This grant is the third round of the program. Over the past year, Cinnaminson . The township got a brand at Wood Park, a at and will next rehab the Memorial Park bathrooms and concession stand.

The current concrete structure in place needs updating, new windows, new doors and a brand new roof. Some of the second round grant money will go toward this project.

When finished, it should have bathrooms, a snack bar area and rooms for storage.

The idea to use the grant money for upgrades to the Memorial Park structure (and potentially the walking path at Wood Park) came from the parks and recreation advisory committee, park sports officials and results from a county survey that asked for residents’ input, the mayor said.

“The running path and walkway around Wood Park will be considered for future grants and capital improvements projects should funds become available,” said Brauckmann.

Anticipating the grant money, township officials have already had preliminary conceptual drawings drafted of the rehabbed building. The drawing may change before or during construction. (Shown at right)

Brauckmann said township committee hopes to advertise for the project during the Aug. 6 meeting and award the bid Sept. 3. If all goes according to schedule, the structure could be finished in the fall.

Every town in the county that applied for the Municipal Park Development Grant received monies ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, according to a release from the county.