Proposed Walking Path for the Alexander Potash Recreation Complex
The idea of a walking path around the Rec Complex was conceived approximately 5 years ago.
Many communities already have fully functioning, community oriented walking paths. Some towns include: Dumont, Ramsey, Franklin Lakes, Maywood, and Norwood, just to name a few. A walking path is always one of the biggest draws at a Recreation Complex. On a nice evening you will always see families walking together, single joggers, seniors taking an after dinner walk, parents with strollers and grandparents with grandchildren, it is a very nice family oriented scene. The walking path will also be available during the day for those same people to take a nice stroll or jog around Oakland’s own walking path. In many people’s opinion, this is the one thing, and a big thing, that has been missing at Oakland’s Alexander Potash Recreation Complex.
A few years back, Ed Clark a member of the Shade Tree Commission drew up plans for a walking path for the Recreation Commission to see. Along with help of the DPW, this diagram has been altered and tweaked to be most advantageous and to support the greatest number of citizens using it for good health and town camaraderie. In addition the recent trees that were planted at the complex were placed in areas benefiting the proposed walking path.
The proposed path is outlined on page 2. One inherent Recreation Complex issue which has been brought up, is the danger of walkers being hit with stray baseballs or softballs. We feel this is very remote threat, at best. The baseball and softball seasons encompasses approximately 4 months out of the year. The 5th through HS age baseball fields all have large safety netting, and the path which runs by the 7th through HS softball fields also has a large buffer zone from walking path to ball field, so we do not feel this is of concern. Any other stray ball concerns are outlined along with the pathway; but the younger children, who pose a significantly lower threat to hitting balls into the walking path, use those less potentially threatening fields.
These are just a few of the many benefits to Oakland having its own walking path. We ask that you thoroughly look through this proposal and approve its route. Ed Clark of the Shade Tree Commission has produced this diagram and confirmation of the path with cost estimates of $86,000 which have been provided to the Recreation Commission by Tom Potash.
The Recreation Commission is not asking for funding, rather approval of the walking path. Once approved, the Sports Association of Oakland will begin its process of searching for non-tax payer funds and donations to pay for the project. Proposed Walking Path for the Alexander Potash Recreation Complex Walking Path Route North End (Lawlor Dr from Field 1 to the field 8 scoreboard) Path Starts behind the field 1 backstop and proceeds to the 3rd base line of field 1 moving to 1st baseline of field 3. The path will be along the fence closest to the parking lot. Path continues behind the field 5 backstop to the 3rd base side of field 5 between the opening of the parking lot and field 5 right field gate. The path then moves to the front of the Danny D’elia building in front of the bocce court and in front of main playground.
Concerns:
1. In-front of the main playground: Extending into the parking lot the 4 feet, moving the parking back to original location, curb needed.
2. Stray balls between fields 1 & 3 and by field 7 backstop. Walking path is far from ball fields but there is an inherent danger while at the recreation complex. East End (encompassing Lawlor Dr between fields 9 and 8.)
Path Along the field 8 side of road to back of the field 8 backstop
Concerns:
1. Little to no area around batting cage. DPW offered to extend into the parking area and moving the handicap space.
2. Stray balls may come from field 9, although very rare occurrence because of field 9 age participants and distance. South End (encompassing backstop of field 8 to backstop of field 2) Path. It starts at backstop of field 8 moving to the backstop of field 6. Then along 3rd base side of field 6, close to woods behind backstop of field 4, close to woods along 1st base side of field 2 to behind backstop of field 2.
Concerns:
1. Need to move left field fence of field 8 closer to foul line or move walking path into wooded area depending on survey results.
2. Need to survey woods behind field 6 and 4 to see how far back path can go.
3. Stray balls, only real threat is along 1st base side of field 2, which is an inherent danger to being at the recreation complex. West End (encompassing the backstop of field 2 to field 1 backstop along Oak St)
Path Behind backstop of field 2 to roller hockey rink side walk. Proceeds along side walk of DPW building continuing along 1st base side of field 1. Add benefit: will become sidewalk on Oak St along rec complex. Ending behind field 1 backstop
Concerns:
1. Moving fence by roller hockey rink
2. No stray ball threat
This would be a great addition for Oakland. Wasn’t it previously mentioned that the proceeds from the Carnival were going towards this walking Path?
A walking path is a great addition for our Rec Complex but perhaps due to the numerous safety issues it presents maybe it should be either relocated or replaced with another idea.
I would like to add this to my first comment. Is there another piece of property owned by the Borough that would be suitable for a walking path? If not and the safety issues take precedent, why not replace the walking path idea with a “children’s sprinkler park”?
How much will it cost and how much more in taxes will we pay to maintain it? I don’t think we need it my taxes are high enough.
Our estimate is $84,000. We will be doing this with no taxpayer dollars. We can apply for matching grants and match it with funds raised by the SAO and from other sources of non-taxpayer dollars (ie recreation trust, donations etc). The Sports Association has already raised $30,000., leaving an additional $12,000 of non-taxpayer dollars needed to complete the match. As for maintenance cost, it would fall within the normal recreation complex operating budget. The Recreation Commission is committed to completing this project as well as all other capital projects with no taxpayer dollars. As an FYI, we are presently putting together our 2013 recreation budget which would contain, for the first time ever, no tax-payer subsidy.
Walking path is a great idea, and most the safety issuse are related to Baseball, which is only for a portion of the year. This would be for everyone.