Montclair Township will honor lifelong resident James A. Firebrace, Jr. this Saturday, September 20, in a dedication ceremony naming the tennis courts at Nishuane Park after the former tennis coach and school teacher. The ceremony will take place at 10:30 am in the park, which is located between Cedar Avenue and High Street, Montclair.
James Firebrace, who once taught in East Orange public schools, worked as a tennis professional and park attendant in Nishuane Park for nearly forty years — from 1967 to 2006. He was a township employee and longstanding volunteer who maintained the park’s clay courts.
Mr. Firebrace was a mentor to a number of generations of children who played in the park, and served as a father figure to many.
“Naming the tennis courts in James A. Firebrace’s honor is a distinction that this Council proudly bestows upon a tireless supporter of our community,” said Fourth Ward Councilor Renee Baskerville. “It is an expression of our gratitude for his many years of unwavering dedication to our park and our youth.”