SOMERS POINT — Improvements to the city’s sports facilities and creation of a nature trail are in the works in Somers Point.
City Council has applied for Green Acres Park Development Grants to undertake the work.
Engineer Greg Schneider said the city is looking to spend about $233,000 on the Defeo Lane trail next to the old sewage treatment plant.
The work includes parking, trail signage, mulch, landscaping to screen the public works area, some fencing, trash and recycling receptacles and a viewing platform overlooking Patcong Creek.
Schneider said the environmental impact should be minor, since no trees would be disturbed. He noted the need for a permit to construct the viewing platform because it would be in a wetlands area.
“No actual impact to the wetlands and the buffer is anticipated,” Schneider said.
City resident John Helbig, chairman of the Environmental Commission and Green Team, said the area is the largest continually wooded property in the city.
“This is really a unique piece of property,” he said, noting a grant from Sustainable Jersey was used to fund the design work.
Plans also call for upgrades at Kern Field and Fehrle Field to the tune of $700,000.
One project would resurface the track to create what Schneider called “a true running track” with a slip-resistant surface.
Other work includes drainage improvements for the football field, a new roof on the softball building and renovated bathrooms, a new roof and carpet in the Little League building, renovated bathrooms and snack stand at Kern Field and replacement of doors and frames at the Babe Ruth building.
Schneider also provided an update on two projects in the works.
He said the city received a grant to pave Bay Avenue between Goll and New Jersey avenues. The project will include a raised crosswalk at New Jersey and Annie avenues to slow traffic.
The second project is being undertaken through the Safe Routes to Schools grant program and involves curb extensions at intersections to slow traffic and boost safety on west Laurel Drive near Jordan Road School.
Schneider said the city would solicit bids for the projects next month.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
