East Orange, NJ, June 19, 2017:  The City of East Orange will hold an official groundbreaking of its Elmwood Park Multi-Sport Court Rehabilitation Project currently underway on Tuesday, June 20, at 1pm at Elmwood Park near Rhode Island Avenue and Oak Street, city officials announced. 

East Orange Mayor Lester E. Taylor III, the East Orange City Council, and the East Orange Open Space Committee will host the Ground Breaking Ceremony to mark the construction of the project, which includes five (5) tennis courts, two (2) handball courts, and open the city’s first outdoor full circuit fitness area, city officials announced.

The more $2.5 million renovation project, funding via the City of East Orange, NJ Green Acres and East Orange Open Space, will include the addition of the fitness circuit area, which can be used by all ages at varying levels of intensity. Some of the equipment such as a hand cycle, chest press and lat pull down are ADA-accessible.  Other equipment like the elliptical and recumbent cycle are for advanced usage. 

“Research has shown that being outdoors in a natural environment can help motivate people to exercise. Our green open spaces are meant to be enjoyed by people of all ages and at all levels of intensity,” said Mayor Lester E. Taylor III. “We are extremely excited to bring another opportunity for our residents to stay fit and healthy.”

 The restoration of the courts looks to reclaim the glory years of 1975-1984, commonly known as the Golden Era of Tennis in East Orange. Then, the USTA and the ATA hosted tournaments in East Orange featuring many tennis greats, including famed tennis pioneer and former East Orange resident and Recreation Director, Althea Gibson.

In September 2016, construction was completed on Soverel Park tennis courts, which has been closed for several years due to extensive damage following Hurricane Sandy. Construction in Elmwood Park is expected to be completed in late fall.

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