Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. yesterday announced that work is underway to develop a children’s playground at the Orange Reservoir in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. The addition of the playground will provide visitors with another opportunity to enjoy the picturesque landscape and promote wellness. It is the latest project that Essex County is conducting in partnership with the City of Orange to maximize the use of the Orange Reservoir property.
The playground will be located adjacent to the paddle boating area and picnic pavilion that opened last year and will be designed with the same nautical theme. It will have 24 separate pieces of play equipment and a rubberized safety surface. An open area within the playground will have a synthetic grass surface so there is less wear and tear on the turf. The new facility will be circled by a chain link fence to prevent children from wandering away. In addition, stamped concrete pathways will be installed to link the playground to the picnic area, paddle boating and pathway around the reservoir. Work to prepare the site began earlier in May and the playground is scheduled to open by the end of the summer.
From the instant we partnered with the Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren and the City of Orange to open the Orange Reservoir to the public, it has become a recreation destination. The addition of the paddle boating, picnic pavilion and walking path provide passive activities for people of all ages to enjoy,” DiVincenzo said. “Developing a playground complements the picnic pavilion and will maximize the usage and enjoyment of this magnificent open space,” he added.
“This playground is another step forward in our partnership with Essex County to revitalize the Reservoir property. We share the vision that the County Executive has because it benefits Orange, Essex County and all our residents who enjoy family-friendly activities,” said Chris Mobley, who was representing Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren. “This is a spectacular project and the transformation has been overwhelming. I’m looking forward to bringing youth from our community here,” he noted.
“People have been coming in droves since the paddle boating and walkway have been finished and the playground will bring even more people here to enjoy the beautiful setting,” Freeholder Vice President Patricia Sebold said.