Architects hired

Architects hired for Trailside expansion
By Mark Hrywna
Regional Editor

DMR Architects of Maywood received a $377,500 contract last month from the Board of Chosen Freeholders for design services to the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. When architects presented conceptual designs for the project last summer, they anticipated construction for the proposed expansion to take about 15 months.

In May, the freeholders entered into an agreement with DMR to provide additions and alterations to Trailside, funds for which will come from the county's Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. At the time, the county awarded $25.000 to the architectural firm for the conceptual designs. The latest $377,500 contract awarded last month includes the earlier $25,000, County Manager Michael Lapolla said. The architects were scheduled to meet earlier this week with county park officials about specifications and architectural designs.

The $2.5-million expansion project at Trailside is expected to add 17,000 square feet to the existing 7,700-square-foot facility. Classrooms will be added along with exhibit space and storage areas. The current facility eventually will be restored and connected to the new addition.

This is the first major expansion at the Trailside center since it opened in 1974. Officials estimate that 60,000 people registered for programs there list year.

Since a key component of the expansion is classroom space, Debra Judd, director of the Division of Recreation and Administrative Support, said DMR was selected because of its expertise in schools, classrooms and educational settings. The architectural firm has worked with various school boards including Alpine, Asbury Park, Bricktown and Butler, among others.

Currently, there are two areas used as classrooms at the center, Judd said, while offices are crowded into the balcony area. Another important aspect of the project is that the restrooms will finally become handicapped-accessible, she added.

Courtesy of: Echo Leader - December 20, 2001 issue