Scotch Plains Unveils Concept Plans for Renovation of Haven Avenue Park - TAPinto

The Plan

Scotch Plains unveiled concept plans for Haven Park renovations at a June 15 Recreation Commission meeting held at the park itself. The plans call for site fixture upgrades and a new full-size basketball court.

Work could begin as soon as fall 2026, according to Recreation Director Julie Buonaguro. The plans are preliminary and subject to revision.

Funding and Scope

The project is funded through state grants, Union County funds, and Scotch Plains capital budget allocations.

This is phase two. Phase one, completed in 2025, replaced the park's fencing and removed dead and diseased trees.

Context: Bigger Picture

Haven Park is one of six parks Scotch Plains has renovated or is renovating. Completed projects include:

• Brookside Park (1255 Hetfield Ave.) — playground, ballfield, basketball courts, pickleball courts, walking path, restrooms

• Kramer Manor Park (1950 Evelyn St.) — updated courts and new play unit

• Green Forest Park (554 Westfield Road) — new tennis, pickleball, and multi-use courts

• Greenside Playground (2203 Greenside Place) — remodeled playground

• Southside Field (1910 Raritan Road) — resurfaced synthetic turf soccer field through partnership with Scotch Plains-Fanwood Soccer Club

Two parks are in active planning: Farley Park (436 Farley Ave.) and the former Highland Swim Club property at 1235 Martine Ave., which the Township acquired in 2026 and deed-restricted for recreational use only.

For Union County Life readers in Scotch Plains, the pace of park improvement has accelerated over several years. This is not one project. It is a systematic effort across the township's recreation footprint.

What Officials Said

Mayor Josh Losardo called the parks initiative a defining achievement of his time in office. "There has been an undeniable focus on making our parks better, and I am hopeful that we can continue to do just that," he said.

Deputy Mayor Matt Adams noted the pace. "In only a handful of years, there have been substantial improvements made to these community spaces," Adams said.

Township Manager Margaret Heisey framed the effort in terms of community benefit. "Through our obvious focus on parks and recreation, we have tried to positively impact the physical and mental well-being of our community," she said.

Coming Events

A "Play in the Park" event is scheduled for July 15, 2026, at Jerseyland Park, 2373 Richmond St.

FAQ

Q: What improvements are planned for Haven Park?
Phase two plans call for site fixture upgrades and a new full-size basketball court. The plans are preliminary and subject to revision. Work could begin fall 2026.

Q: How is Haven Park being funded?
The project is funded through state grants, Union County funds, and the Scotch Plains Township capital budget.

Q: What happened in Haven Park's phase one?
Phase one, completed in 2025, replaced the park's fencing and removed dead and diseased trees.

Q: What other parks has Scotch Plains upgraded recently?
Completed projects include Brookside Park, Kramer Manor Park, Green Forest Park, Greenside Playground, and Southside Field. Farley Park and the former Highland Swim Club property are in active planning phases.

Q: What is happening with the former Highland Swim Club property?
The township acquired the five-acre property at 1235 Martine Ave. in 2026 and deed-restricted it for recreational use only. A master plan process is underway, with public feedback before the Recreation Commission makes recommendations to the Township Council.

Q: When is the next community event at a Scotch Plains park?
A "Play in the Park" event is scheduled for July 15, 2026, at Jerseyland Park, 2373 Richmond St.