On November 6, 2024, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora, North Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Williams, and Parks & Recreation Director Paul Harris celebrated the newly constructed Unity Park Mini-Pitch, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and exhibition game. The upgrade to the park, which is estimated to cost $280,000, was financed through American Rescue Plan federal funds.

“The Parks & Recreation Department, led by Director Paul Harris, has put in a lot of hard work to make Unity Square Park a better place for our community,” said Mayor Gusciora. “The new mini-pitch is just the second of five phases in our plan to revitalize this park, and it’s something we’re really excited about. We’ve heard from the kids in our neighborhood, the dreamers who one day hope to be soccer stars, and we’re proud to create a space where they can come together, play, and grow. This mini-pitch isn’t just a place to practice; it’s a safe and welcoming space where children of all ages can build confidence, make memories, and have fun.”

The renovation of Unity Square Park began with a playground area, which was Phase I. The mini-pitch is Phase II of a planned five-phase transformation that will continue over the coming months. The mini-pitch is an artificial turf soccer field designed to occupy small spaces with big fun. Installation was done by Musco and includes LED lighting, fencing, goals, benches, and lockable storage.

Phase three will target landscaping and the asphalt paths throughout the park. To complement the new equipment coming to the mini-pitch, overgrown weeds and dead grass will be restored as well as uneven and cracked asphalt to help beautify the area. Phase three is estimated to take place in November.

Phase four will transform the baseball field into a full soccer field. This phase is projected to commence in the spring of 2025.

Phase five will be the refurbishment of the community center. Roof and interior repairs are expected to begin in the spring of 2025.

“Having vision is vital for the improvement of this city. Mayor Gusciora, Director Harris, the Recreation team, and Jose Cabrera from Team America all do an amazing job in improving this city,” said North Ward Councilwoman Williams. “Soccer is the fastest-growing sport, and it is so important to have a place where children can practice the sport. As a kid who grew up in this city, we have more things for the children to do today than my generation ever dreamed of, and that is due to Mayor Gusciora, and everyone involved. I know all my Council colleagues are just as ecstatic as I am about the upgrades at this park.”

As Parks & Recreation continues its efforts to upgrade City parks and facilities, residents can expect new playgrounds at the following sites: Carlos Negron, Second Street, Rutherford Avenue, Gil Carter (Garfield), Cooper, Jefferson Vincent, Wetzel, and Grant Avenue.

“Our goal is to improve the quality of life in the City of Trenton by enhancing our recreation facilities,” stated Parks & Recreations Director Harris. ” The improvements at Unity Park are being rolled out in multiple phases, Phase I was the brand-new playground, and Phase II is the mini-pitch. Over the next year, residents can expect more changes at Unity Park, as well as other parks throughout the city. We are grateful to Mayor Gusciora and the City Council for their continued support.”

The post City of Trenton Officially Opens Newly Constructed Unity Park Mini-Pitch with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Exhibition Game first appeared on TrentonDaily.