A Major Cause for Change
Nestled at the heart of Union Township, NJ, Rabkin Park has been a long-cherished space for both local sports teams and community gatherings. However, years of heavy usage with significant wear and tear left its multipurpose fields in a state of disrepair, posing risks to the safety of athletes and communities. To address this issue and breathe new life into the park, the Township and Board of Education embarked on a comprehensive community-centered redesign project aimed to transform the worn fields into an accessible space where all people can feel safe, seen, and supported as they congregate at this significant location.
What is Community-Centered Design?
Community-centered design (CCD) considers all people, with a central focus on their needs, age group, accessibility, and safety. What makes community-centered design important is how effectively it meets everyone’s needs and makes individuals feel supported in a space to provide them with the best experience possible. Without community-centered design, individuals may feel neglected and excluded, influencing how they behave and interact with the space. Especially in a park built for sports and recreational purposes, CCD must encourage participation all while making everyone feel safe.
A Central Hub for Sports and Recreation
The overarching goal of the project was clear: create a central hub for both sports and recreation while preserving the community spirit that makes Rabkin Park special. The design process, led by the municipal engineers at Colliers Engineering & Design, was driven by a deep understanding that the park played host to a multitude of notable events throughout the year. With meticulous planning and evaluation, the redesign project was executed using a phase-by-phase approach to meet everyone’s needs, and ensure continued access for the entire community.
Transforming the Multipurpose Fields
One of the key features of the community-centered redesign was the transformation of the multipurpose fields. To accommodate various sports and recreational activities, the new, flexible field design was configured to create a full-length field subdivided into smaller sections, maximizing versatility, and enjoyment for all.
Challenges and Innovative Solutions
During the design process, however, an unexpected challenge arose. A water main line was discovered underneath the baseball diamond placed at the center of the field. To avoid potential issues, contractors and water providers swiftly relocated the water main to a better location, prioritizing the safety of athletes on the field.
For the field surface, cutting-edge Infill Systems Field Turf technology, made from recycled rubber materials, was chosen to ensure consistent water flow, and keep the turf cool for players to maximize comfortability and field performance. Additionally, state-of-the-art sensors were installed along the turf perimeter, aiding maintenance by notifying when grooming was needed and alerting to any dips in the field that could pose a safety risk for athletes while at play.
To enhance the overall game experience, two new scoreboards and a press box were added to improve visibility and keep fans engaged and informed while they enjoy the game. Furthermore, lighting for the field and a new set of bleachers further elevated the facilities. The design also included the reconstruction of the park’s gazebo, re-pavement of the parking lot with enhanced ADA accessibility, and optimized public facilities such as grills and water fountains to meet community needs. All elements combined created an inclusive space for the community at large and local sports fans.
An Exciting Future for Rabkin Park
Colliers Engineering & Design successfully completed the first phase of the project in time for summer training camps and the 2023 football season. The park’s rejuvenation has since created a safer and more enjoyable environment for players and fans alike, offering significant benefits to the Department of Public Works, allowing for proactive maintenance and issue resolution.
The completion of the multipurpose field marks just the beginning of a broader revitalization effort for Rabkin Park, with plans for upgrades to the tennis courts in the pipeline. The park now provides a venue for a wide range of community events, from concerts in the gazebo to movies under the stars, due to its spacious design and state-of-the-art amenities. It has truly become a central gathering place for the Union County area offering new and improved ways for everyone to get involved.
In the end, the Rabkin Park community-centered redesign stands as a leading example of what can be accomplished when individuals come together to breathe new life into a cherished space, ensuring it remains vibrant and functional for generations to come.
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