FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2007

CONTACT: Sebastian D’Elia, 908-527-4419
Mary Lynn Williams, 908-527-4346

 

Union County ‘Kids Recreation Trust Fund’ Awards
$1.2 Million to 21 Municipalities

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders awarded funding to all 21 municipalities through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund’s “2007 Kids Recreation Trust Fund” grant program. The award announcement ceremony took place Thursday evening in the Freeholder Meeting Room at the County Administration Building.

A total of 1.2 million was awarded to the 21 municipalities. The fund dispersed $1,045,697.18 for the purchase of recreational equipment and playground improvements. The remaining $154,302.82 will be awarded as scholarship funds to those municipalities requesting such.

“With the funds awarded this evening, municipalities throughout Union County will be able to upgrade facilities, purchase new equipment and create recreational opportunities for children who would otherwise not be able to afford to participate with their peers,” said Union County Freeholder Dan Sullivan, who also serves as Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

The Kids Recreation Trust Fund began in 2004 and was an initiative of then Freeholder Chairman Estrada.  Now in its fourth year, the fund has made money available to towns to support local athletic groups with equipment to improve and enhance recreational opportunities throughout Union County. The fund also provides scholarships for low-income participants. In 2006 the Kids Trust Fund awarded nearly $2 million to 20 of Union County’s 21 municipalities.

Following is a list of towns and their awards:

  • Township of Berkeley Heights, $20,000 for playground improvements.
  • Township of Clark, $30,000 for recreation equipment.
  • Township of Cranford, $75,000 for recreation equipment and playground improvements.
  • City of Elizabeth, $100,000 for playground improvements.
  • Borough of Fanwood, $41,000 for recreation equipment and playground improvements.
  • Borough of Garwood, $60,000 for recreation equipment and playground improvements. 15 scholarships
  • Township of Hillside, $l5,446.49 for recreation equipment and playground improvements.
  • Borough of Kenilworth, $50,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements.
  • City of Linden, $100,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements.
  • Borough of Mountainside, $30,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements.
  • New Providence, $30,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements.
  • City of Plainfield, $100,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements. 75 scholarships
  • City of Rahway, $36,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements. 45 scholarships
  • Borough of Roselle, $50,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements. 100 scholarships
  • Borough of Roselle Park, $25,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements.  25 scholarships
  • Township of Scotch Plains, $30,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements.
  • Township of Springfield, $50,000 for playground improvements.
  • City of Summit, $50,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements. 25 scholarships
  • Township of Union, $87,000 for recreational equipment and playground improvements.
  • Town of Westfield, $50,000 for playground improvements.
  • Township of Winfield, $16,250.69 for playground improvements.

The Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, approved by Union County voters in 2000, assesses a levy of 1.5 cents per $100 of total equalized real property valuation for a period of 20 years. It provides funds to purchase open space, improve parks and recreational facilities and preserve the County’s historic treasures.