Pompton Lakes seeks county grant to finish Willowfield playground

Pompton Lakes officials presented a public hearing on a Passaic County Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund application for the Willowfield playground, saying the project’s total cost is $259,000 and the county’s program maximum is $250,000.

Administrator (speaker 4) told the council the full project includes about $30,000 in engineering and design costs and roughly $229,000 in construction costs. He emphasized the county program does not fund design or soft costs and that the borough’s maximum eligible request would be at or below the $250,000 cap. The application will be placed on the consent agenda for approval.

Joe Kleinach (speaker 6), identified as president of the Pompton Lakes Riverdale Little League, spoke in support of finishing the Willowfield improvements. "We actually have t‑ball for 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds now," Kleinach said, urging the council to complete the playground so families with young children have a safe place during games.

Council members and the Open Space Committee signaled support; one council member noted the committee voted unanimously to back the application. Administrator (speaker 4) said, if awarded, the borough will bring design options to the Open Space Committee for final selection and that the conceptual plans included in the application are intended only to secure funding.

Construction progress at Willowfield was discussed: chain‑link fencing and backstops are being installed, irrigation and site grading remain, and sod requires about three to four weeks to establish before fields reopen. The borough is coordinating scheduling with the Pompton Lakes Riverdale Little League to accommodate tee‑ball and other youth programs while work finishes.

The application will go forward as part of the consent agenda; council members said they expect to vote on the grant request at the same meeting’s consent‑agenda vote.