Weehawken has opened its new municipal swimming pool complex along the waterfront.
The over $10.5 million project was largely funded by developer, the Open Space Trust Fund, and some state grants.
The complex consists of a splash park, an infant pool, a family pool and a general swimming pool. It is part of the township’s recreation complex, which includes space for concerts, children’s playgrounds, and a pier.
Years in the making
Hundreds attended the Aug. 17 grand opening, which marked the culmination of three years of work, delayed by the pandemic, weather, and other factors.
“The construction of the complex, as you can imagine, has been greatly hindered by the coronavirus pandemic,” Mayor Richard Turner said in a statement. “Bids were awarded in June of 2019, and the site’s soil and grading preparation began in September 2019, which lasted approximately four months before any construction could begin.”
This was followed by several shutdowns due to snow and weather-related issues in January and February of 2020. The pandemic shutdown came in March of 2020, lasting several months. Work began in earnest in June of 2020 and proceeded until earlier this summer.
“During the construction period, contractors faced the same issues we all faced with employees either being sick or quarantined,” Turner said. “The recent shortage of materials, supplies, and parts on backorder further compounded the timeline.”
However, the project eventually got back on track and is now complete and open to the public
Test run
While the pool will be open only for the remainder of the summer, and possibly longer, it comes at a perfect time as a heat wave melts the county. This year will serve as a test run for next year.
“Obviously it will be a shortened season, and weather permitting, we anticipate opening weekends in September,” Turner said. “In effect, this will be a test period for all of us to experience the complex’s benefits and plan for the entire season opening in May of 2022.”
The pool is open to township residents only. No extended family or friends will be allowed. Admission is free. Proof of residency is required.
Pool times are available at weehawken-nj.us. Register online.
More on the way
This is the first phase of renovations to the recreation complex. According to Turner, there are several other phases to go.
Future plans include renovating nearly an acre of unused space adjacent to the complex.
“Eventually we hope to have a multi-purpose pavilion for ice skating in the winter and various uses in the summer,” Turner said. “When we’re all done, we will probably have the largest contiguous waterfront complex for active and passive recreation other than Liberty State Park.”
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
