Improvements Announced at Ironbound Soccer Field

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced Tuesday that a new synthetic grass surface was installed on the soccer field in Independence Park in the Ironbound, where popular youth programs -- including the Ironbound Soccer Club -- play. 

“Early in my administration, we made the decision to install synthetic grass surfaces on some of our fields that are heavily used by youth, school and public recreation groups. The synthetic surface has enabled us to provide first-class playing conditions and maximize the use of the fields so more groups have access,” DiVincenzo said. “Soccer is a very popular sport, especially in the Ironbound, and we wanted to ensure the field is safe for all the groups that play here,” he added.

“Joe does this because he cares. The community appreciates the efforts you are making on behalf of our children to improve parks and recreation facilities,” Newark Councilman Augusto Amador said.

“This is fantastic. Getting this field resurfaces will enable our players to enjoy the game of soccer at the highest level. And with better facilities comes greater player development and that leads to more championships,” John Soares, Director of Operations for the Ironbound Soccer Club, said, noting that a team from Ironbound Soccer won a State Cup and two other teams were finalists.

The synthetic surface on the Independence Park soccer field as installed in 2005. DiVincenzo also announced the 10-year-old synthetic grass surface on the Essex County Riverbank Park soccer field, located nearby would be replaced after the work at Independence Park was finished.