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Tamaques Park a contested priority: candidates weigh synthetic turf, ice rink and Superfund constraints

October 10, 2025 | Westfield, Union County, New Jersey


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Tamaques Park a contested priority: candidates weigh synthetic turf, ice rink and Superfund constraints
Tamaques Park's proposed redevelopment was discussed at length, with candidates describing both priorities for park amenities and constraints tied to site condition and cost.

Keith Peran, Ward 4 candidate, said he is "a massive believer in grass" and expressed strong reservations about synthetic turf for health and safety reasons, while acknowledging turf can increase playable hours for some infields. "I want our children to be playing on grass," he said.

Drew Packer, also a Ward 4 candidate, urged preservation of the park's natural fields and walking trails while prioritizing quality‑of‑life improvements such as bathrooms, water fountains and playground upgrades. On the question of what to do with a Superfund portion of the site, Packer said he had not yet seen survey results, RFPs or cost estimates and that decisions should await that information.

Candidates broadly agreed on several near‑term actions: preserve natural fields where feasible; prioritize basic public‑use improvements (restrooms, benches, paths); and only decide on large capital options such as permanent turf or an ice rink after cost estimates, environmental assessments and public input. Several speakers noted the site includes an area with remediation constraints and that choices for that acreage may be limited unless cleanup or reuse options are clarified.

Ending: Candidates framed Tamaques as a multi‑stage project: first preserve and repair core park amenities and trails, then evaluate reuse options for the constrained acreage after environmental and cost assessments. No binding municipal decision was made at the forum.

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Scribe from Workplace AI
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