Cty. dedicates park with many facilities

OLD BRIDGE - It's been nine years since Middlesex County purchased some 1,728 acres of land west of Route 18 that was once proposed for development by the Olympia & York company.

Most of that land remains open space, known as the John A. Phillips Open Space Preserve, named in honor of the late county freeholder from Old Bridge. The county set aside a 100-acre portion for active recreation.

On Saturday, many of those same county officials, along with township officials and residents, were on hand to officially dedicate the park, which sports two lighted soccer fields, one lighted football field, two ballfields, a cricket pitch, playground, comfort station and concession area. Walkways, biking trails and parking areas round out the facility.

During the ceremony, Deputy Freeholder Director Stephen J. "Pete" Dalina recognized Lois Phillips, the widow of John A. Phillips, and their eldest son, John.

"I am glad all of you could be here today as we celebrate the dedication of this state-of-the-art recreational center," Dalina said. "We have a lot to offer here at John A. Phillips Park, a variety of athletic fields, with everything from baseball to soccer fields to a cricket pitch. Whether you're looking for active or passive recreation, you can find just what you're looking for right here in our newest county park."

Old Bridge Mayor and County Treasurer Jim Phillips, who is also the son of John A. Phillips, thanked the freeholders.

"This magnificent park could not have come to fruition without the unwavering support of the Board of Chosen Freeholders," he said. "Families in Old Bridge and the county at large will be able to enjoy these fine facilities for years to come thanks to the freeholders' vision."

Freeholder Director David B. Crabiel addressed those in attendance, recognizing the engineering firm of CME Associates and the county's Parks and Recreation Department for devising a construction plan worthy of the county's standards. He said the first phase of the park's development cost $4.3 million, and the recently completed second phase was $2.4 million.

"Our duty as members of the Board of Chosen Freeholders is to assure that we provide our residents with the best possible facilities and services, always keeping in mind the bottom line," Crabiel said. "When a goal such as this one is achieved, the sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that we have served our constituents well is a feeling beyond compare."