I would like to correct a few misunderstandings contained in letters to the editor on the West Windsor Pocket Park in the February 15 WW-P News. The budget of $300,000 for the park has been in the Township’s Six-Year Capital Plan since at least 2007 but only as a placeholder to anticipate when park construction could begin. In last year’s budget, the placeholder was pushed out to 2015. In this year’s budget, it was still left in as a placeholder, but pushed out to 2016 with the note of using sponsors or donations. There is no actual or proposed funding for the Princeton Junction Park for 2013.
As a part of the construction project, the owners of the Valero contributed grading and walkways in the park. The Sustainability Element of the Master Plan called for the park to be developed with the participation of West Windsor residents and clubs. Sponsors and donations were used to develop the 9-11 Memorial and the gazebo at the Ron Rogers Arboretum. The concept of the park is simply a concept developed by our summer intern and landscape architect in my department. There is no pagoda planned. Pictured and suggested was a gazebo with an Asian-themed roof line. Our residents will continue to be our guides on the design development of this park and more meetings are planned.
M. Patricia Ward
Director, Community Development, West Windsor
