Photo credit to Mayor Busch Instagram
On April 6th, a new chapter will start for Edgar field as that is the date of the formal reopening of Edgar Field as a turf field. The field has been closed since late summer for the installation of the new turf field. The field, while located adjacent to Edgar Middle School, is actually land owned by the town, not the school district, but the schools will have access to the field for both school and after school events. The field will also be used for recreational sports.
The field has a long history as the land was donated by Charles S. Edgar who also donated the land that the Metuchen Municipal Pool and Edgar Middle school sit on. At one time both boys and girls varsity soccer, varsity football and varsity baseball used the field for their games. This was also the location for outdoor high school graduations at one time. As of recently the field was used by middle school sports teams, Pop Warner football, and recreational sports. According to Mayor Johnathan Busch,“Edgar field will be used by the entire Community but obviously students from Edgar School and the school teams will have priority along with recreational programs from throughout the community.” The new turf field is lined for softball, baseball, soccer, and field hockey.
The hope is that this new turf field will be a gathering place for the community. Mayor Bush also said, “We spent quite a bit of time focusing on recreational priorities for our community. Years ago we embarked on Greenprint which was a vision plan for recreation throughout the borough and this field is a significant opportunity for expanding recreational opportunities for the entire community. It will take the emphasis off of Myrtle field, as it will allow Edgar middle school students to play in front of their school and it will help cement Edgar Middle School as a community.”
With the reopening of Edgar field as turf, the students from Metuchen will now have access to four turf fields (High school turf, Edgar, Myrtle and Charles fields). This will give Metuchen students an advantage over other schools who sometimes only have access to one or two turf fields. According to varsity baseball coach Leo Danik,"The improvements that have been made to Myrtle Field and the renovation of Edgar Field have been tremendous. The residents, particularly the youth of Metuchen have seen the commitment that the community has made to recreation for the entire community. It has helped develop our youth programs and our middle school, high school baseball programs allowing athletes to play on a top notch facility. Baseball players have been able to play on fields that are among the best in the state allowing them to develop their skills and foster their love for the game.”
Edgar field has been the site of many important events throughout Metuchen history and with its re-opening it will continue to provide Metuchen with memories for years to come.
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