April 4, 2016: Metuchen plans to review and potentially improve every park in the borough over the next few years.

This process started with a block grant application for construction of handicap pathways and parking at Olmezer Park at Main and Christol streets, Jennifer Maier, Borough Administrator, said at a Borough Council meeting last month.

That is the first step in what will likely be a multi-year process across Metuchen.

The borough also anticipates an “overhaul” of Oakland Park in the fall to be paid for using funds from the sale of the Pearl Street lot, as well as matching county grants, according to Mayor Peter Cammarano.

“This will include making the park accessible and replacing equipment,” Cammarano said.

Finally, the borough will survey the remaining parks to gauge their needs to establish a schedule into the future, Cammarano said.

“Parks are a priority for me. Many of our parks have not been updated in years and the equipment needs to be replaced. Additionally, most of the parks are not accessible to all residents,” he said, adding: “All of our parks hopefully will get the attention they need over the next couple of years.”

William Allen of Kentnor Street said at the Borough Council meeting March 7 the pocket park along Kentnor Street should be given priority. The property contains dead tree limbs and garbage and represents a safety hazard to children playing there.

Maier responded that the borough has done some clean-up in the park, but said she would work to address Allen’s concerns.