NEWARK, NJ — The playground and parks restroom building on Elizabeth Avenue at Weequahic Park in Newark reopened last week after receiving a "comprehensive facelift and modernization," Essex County officials announced.

According to officials, the playground structures and equipment at the county-run park were last updated in 2006 and were showing signs of "regular wear and tear." The old apparatus and safety surface were removed completely and replaced with separate playground equipment that is appropriate for children ages 2 to 5 years and 5 to 12 years. In addition, a four-foot tall fence was installed around the playground to help keep children safe, and new benches, landscaping and trash receptacles were installed.

"The restroom building had been closed to public use for quite some time," county officials stated in a news release. "It was completely removed and received new windows and doors, bathroom fixtures, floors, ceilings, HVAC system and lighting." According to Essex County officials, Bowman Consulting from Newark was awarded a $67,490 professional services contract to design the new playground and building improvements. Tsivicos Enterprises from Neptune was awarded a publicly-bid contract for $1,472,017 to build the playground and perform the building renovation. The Essex County Department of Public Works monitored the project, which was funded through the Essex County Capital Budget and with a grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund.

Work started in May and was completed in about five months, officials said. "Playgrounds play a vital role in providing our children with interactive places to play, and promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle," Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said. "This playground sees a lot of activity and was showing signs of wear and tear through its regular use."

"Thank you to the county executive for upgrading this facility that is greatly needed in this park," said Doug Freeman, executive director of the Weequahic Park Sports Authority. "This facility is special to us because it is where our organization started. And we enjoy our great partnership with the county."

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