Cedar Lake Improvements
The Cedar Lake portion of the park has been essentially closed and out of service for many years now. The Township completed demolition of the defunct buildings and developed a comprehensive scope of work comprehensive scoop of work for re-opening of this portion of the park. In addition, we have applied for a grant and were awarded a $426,500 grant for improvements as well as a $323,750 loan from the NJDEP Green Acres division. We have completed design and coordinating the environmental permits with the NJDEP and soil conservation.
The first phase of improvements has been awarded and the contractor will mobilize to the site the week of Aug. 10. This first phase will include clean-up, entrance drive improvements, path improvements, parking improvements, storm water retention, new fishing docks, rest stations/benches and overall initial beautification. Future phases will lighting, additional landscaping, amenities and more.
To allow for expediting the contractors work and keeping everyone safe the Cedar Lake area will be officially closed for the duration of construction. We will make sure to keep the public up to date with activities including photos and videos for those who are curious during the process.
Summer Concerts and Movies at WLP under the stars
I am excited to share that the movies and concerts in the park are going well at Washington Lake Park Amphitheater. The amphitheater lawn has been marked out with area for families to sit and social distance from others. Please be mindful of social distancing. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray, and snacks. When social distancing wear a mask coming and going to the restrooms. I thank you in advance for your cooperation. Remaining dates for music in the park are Sunday, Aug. 9 and Saturday, Sep. 19. The last movie date is Friday, Sep. 4 at 7 p.m., showing will be “Onward”. Concerts and movies are free between 7-9 p.m. Please join us and come out to enjoy the music, movie and warm weather. Please check our Township website for cancelations at www.TownshipNJ.com .
Economic Development
I am happy to report more progress in regards to Economic Development in Washington Township. Our Economic Development Consultant, Nancy Mozzachio, has been actively networking with many professionals in town to discuss ways to grow Washington Township. She and Confidential Aides Suzie Barone and Alicia Marini have been reaching out to owners and managers of Township businesses to discuss and offer support and asking about reopening’s if any assistance or information from us is needed during the pandemic. If you know a business or own a business in town please reach out to Nancy at 856-589-0520 ext.261 and leave her a detailed message including your email. She will share important business information with you through an online newsletter. Which we have advertised on our social media pages. She has also been communicating with many business owners in the Township to promote the Shop Washington Township Program. There have more businesses that are opening. I look forward to the future ribbon cuttings.
Washington Township Application
I would like to remind the residents of Washington Township that we now have a Washington Township mobile application for your smartphones. You only need to go to the App Store or Google Play to download the application. On this application you will find upcoming events, recent news, Shop Washington Township participants, Washington Township Saves Lives, and more. Under the news category you can find articles from The Washington Township Sun, posts from our social media, as well as the Fire Department’s social media posts. I hope you take advantage of this opportunity as this application has everything you need to know all in one convenient place! Please download our Washington Township ONE APP located in the app store on your phone.
Please follow, like, and share our social media with family and friends by visiting us at
www.facebook.com/WashingtontownshipGloucesterCountyNJ/
www.instagram.com/Washingtontownshipnj/
Municipal Buildings summer hours are as follows: 8 am – 5 pm, Monday – Thursday and CLOSED on Fridays through Labor Day Weekend. The Municipal Building will be closed on Monday, September 7th, 2020 in observance of Labor Day.
Joann Gattinelli is the Mayor of Washington Township.
She can be reached at [email protected]
