County park in Union improved
as quick as lightning

By John Casale Staff Writer The Union Department of Recreation is constantly looking to improve public parks for community use. With the help of Union County, the department has renovated Lightning Brook Park, a county park on Union Avenue that will result in a major improvement for the surrounding community, according to town and county officials. "We started working with the county about a year ago on this project. Lightning Brook Park is the only park in that specific area of town. We wanted to make it a more pleasant, scenic and useful area to the surrounding neighborhoods," said Domenick Fargnoli, supervisor for the Union Department of Parks and Recreation. The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation spent about $100,000 for new playground equipment, which was recently installed along with an upgrading of the property, which includes a softball field. "We were able to build a new backstop for the field. I am extremely pleased with the renovation of this park. It looks fantastic. Thanks to the county's donation, this park will be a much nicer place to come and visit," said Fargnoli, who intends to use it for summer events next year. "Next summer, I will assign a counselor to run events at the park for public recreation and children's activities," said Fargnoli. "The renovation project is part of an ongoing playground upgrading all over Union County. The Board of Freeholders is very excited about this," said Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Union County began improving municipal and county parks a few years ago. "The park's renovations have been conducted in accordance with all of the regulations of the American Disabilities Act which makes it fully handicapped- accessible and convenient. There have been new water fountains installed and walkways have been repaved. The park really looks fantastic," said Mirabella. "This is our first major renova-  tion of this park and we're more than happy to be a part of such a beneficial project. Improving upon major public facilities can only improve the quality of a community." "What this does is creates a friendly, social environment. People from the neighborhood and all over the area can get to know each other. They also have a place to bring their children to play and make friends," said Mirabella. "It's a nice thing to know that  the county is participating in the improvement of public sites in our town," said Superintendent for the Department of Public Works John Cox. "Projects like this can improve the aesthetic view of our town for people all over to see. If they know they have a comfortable atmosphere to visit, they will participate in community activities and bring their children out to have fun as well," said Cox, who added that the department is always more than happy to provide assistance in the maintenance of parks that improve the image of Union. "I have no problem with getting the department involved on county park maintenance if they are willing to improve the quality of our neighborhoods," said Cox.