A building at a historic Newark park that caught fire earlier this year is expected to be replaced.

The fire tore through the field house at Riverbank Park in the East Ward’s Ironbound neighborhood overnight in April. It resulted in “major damages to the structure, destroying portions of the roof, walls, electrical [system] and plumbing,” according to an ordinance that is being considered by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Located across from Riverfront Park between Raymond Boulevard and Market Street, Riverbank Park dates back to 1910. It is owned by Essex County and is part of the county’s park system.

Now, plans to replace the building are apparently advancing. The ordinance that is in the hands of the Board of Chosen Freeholders calls for having Essex County appropriate $1.1 million to rebuild the field house “with the exact same footprint,” adding in part that “there is currently on hand sufficient cash in Capital Fund Balance to provide for the appropriation.”

The ordinance was passed on first reading by the Board of Chosen Freeholders last month, according to a public notice. The matter is scheduled to go before the board for final approval during a meeting on Wednesday, December 11, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hall of Records.

Over the years, the former field house had been used for events and meetings by groups such as the Friends of Riverfront Park and the Ironbound Community Corporation.

Note to readers: The dates that matters are scheduled to be heard by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and other commissions are subject to change.

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