02 Nov ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO ANNOUNCES SOFTBALL FIELD UPGRADES IN ESSEX COUNTY IRVINGTON PARK ARE COMPLETED
Published on November 2, 2026
Irvington, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that the project to modernize two softball fields in Essex County Irvington Park was completed on Monday, November 2nd. A synthetic playing surface was installed on the infields of the two fields while the outfields were maintained as natural grass. It is part of the County Executive’s ongoing initiative to revitalize the Essex County Parks System and provide modern athletic facilities that meet the recreation needs of the community.
“Our athletic fields are heavily utilized by schools, recreation programs and athletic organizations. Installing a synthetic playing surface on the infields will help us maximize use of the facility, reduce maintenance and get young athletes back on the field sooner after it rains,” DiVincenzo said.
“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, we are very proud to partner with the County Executive on these projects that continually update our Parks System. Joe is always aggressive with these projects and it’s good because it provides our residents with the best infrastructure,” Commissioner President Carlos Pomares said.
“We come here year after year to celebrate the improvements that are championed by Joe. It warms my heart to see all the investments the County is making in Irvington; it’s a testament about how much Joe cares,” Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss said.
“Thank you to Essex County for this tremendous park. We are happy to collaborate with Joe on the improvements he continuously is making here,” Irvington Councilman Anthony Vauss said.
The softball fields in Irvington Park were among the last remaining softball/baseball fields in the Essex County Parks System to have all-dirt infields. DiVincenzo has made a concerted effort to modernize all baseball and softball fields with synthetic playing surfaces because they are easier to maintain and there is less wear and tear. Also, the fields can be used sooner after it rains. In recent years, DiVincenzo has spearheaded an initiative to change just the infields and keep natural grass in the outfields. This has been done in Brookdale Park in Bloomfield/Montclair, Yanticaw Park in Nutley, Belleville Park in Belleville, Weequahic Park in Newark and Grover Cleveland Park in Caldwell/Essex Fells.
In addition to the synthetic surface infield, the softball fields in Irvington Park received new drainage and irrigation systems, backstop and sideline fencing, player benches and dugouts, landscaping, pathway repairs and new trash receptacles and pathway benches. Sports lighting was also installed on the soccer field to allow nighttime play.
A professional services contract for $129,350 was awarded to French and Parello from Wall to design the improvements. A publicly bid contract for $2,221,746 was awarded to Thomas and Sons Builders LLC from Hackensack to perform the construction work. The project is being funded with a grant from the NJ Green Acres program. Work started in June and was completed in six months.
Revitalizing Essex County Irvington Park
In 2024, the new Bilal Beasley Community Center was opened, the tennis courts were resurfaced and pickleball courts were added. In 2023, the soccer field was resurfaced with a new synthetic grass playing surface. In 2017, the basketball courts and walking track were updated and lighting along the walking paths was installed. In 2016, the old field house was renovated and renamed as the D. Bilal Beasley Community Center, in memory of the late Freeholder and Irvington Councilman. In 2011, a synthetic grass surface soccer field was installed and three entrances to the park were upgraded. In 2006, a two-story, 2,100-square-foot addition was constructed onto the community center to create more space for the public to meet, storage space and public restrooms. In 2004, the tennis courts, walking track, basketball courts, tennis courts, softball fields and three park entrances were upgraded. In 2003, a rubberized safety surface was installed in the Irvington Park playground and lighting was improved. Essex County has partnered with the Irvington Park Conservancy to obtain funding from the New Jersey Green Acres program and the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund.
The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. The Park System consists of more than 6,000 acres and has 23 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, Treetop Adventure Course, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, two miniature golf courses, six off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens. Irvington Park is 24.38 acres and is the 12th largest park in the Essex County system. Land for the park was purchased in 1906 and improvements to the site were completed in 1913.
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