Politics & Government

Bocce Courts Planned for Ackerson Park

The courts are especially for Holmdel's seniors, said Mayor Patrick Impreveduto.

The Holmdel Township Committee is planning to make a gathering place for Holmdel seniors, starting with a bocce court. 

At its last meeting, the Committee approved a $8,725 contract to Ed Stillwell of Holmdel to construct a 60 foot wide x 100 foot long bocce court from solid timber. According to Township Engineer Ed Broberg, who sought advice from Hazlet Township and other towns on how to build proper courts for the European bowling game, the next closest bid was for $12,000. 

"We want to do something more for our seniors," said Mayor Patrick Impreveduto. "We decided Ackerson Park will be a wonderful venue to host a bocce court in a section of that park." 

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The partially developed park is on the land once owned by Jim Ackerson, a former mayor and longtime farmer. It is located next to the Indian Hill School, and behind a senior housing development. Access to the park is through a small parking lot off Crape Myrtle Drive, which is off Holmdel Road. Presently there is a walking loop on the property, some metal benches, tables and basketball courts, and it is used primarily by school groups for recreation. 

Bocce balls would be stored in a shed, and a key or combination lock system would allow users to access the equipment, said Township Administrator Andy Katz. 

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Shuffleboard, horseshoe games, and a gazebo are also envisioned, said Broberg. The Township will begin sketching out a sort of master plan for development of the park.

Impreveduto said seniors living in senior developments like Village Grande and Cedar Village will enjoy coming to play games at Ackerson Park. "It's up to us to create the buzz," he told his colleagues on the daisat the June 7 meeting. "We have to get the word out to people." 


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