Neptune’s Loffredo Field on West Bangs Avenue would see improvements under a $250,000 Monmouth County Open space Grant being sought by township officials.
Three potential projects were under consideration for the grant money at this week’s Township Committee workshop. They are a dog park in the Shark River Hills area; a walking trail from the Bert Willis Park, on Old Corlies Avenue, to the old Welsh dairy farm tract that now is home to the township’s new Veteran’s Memorial Park; or improvements and resurfacing Loffredo Field.
“If I weigh in, Loffredo Field has the most merit,” Committeeman Randy Bishop said.
He said project is oriented toward the youth, the field is heavily used, and has the most need for improvements right now.
The township can apply for another similar grant next year for another project.
Bishop and others also said that it is too early to consider a walking trail between the two parks right now and that wetlands may interfere with that project at this point.
Deputy Mayor Kevin McMillan said that a dog park wouldl not be that expensive and the township itself or other grants may be able to fund that project.
Loffredo Field is built on an old landfill and some excavation and drainage improvements will have to be made.
“There will be considerable site work. We need a proper sub-base to get rid of some of the problems,” Township Business Administrator Vito Gadaleta said.
To regrade, improve, and put sod on the field is estimated to cost about $200,000 to $250,000, while putting down artificial turf would cost about $600,000 to 700,000. A decision as to what type of field will be installed will be made after the township receives the grant.
