January 16, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Midland Park Midland Park resident Scott Meyer told the board of education last week that he would undertake the task of upgrading Parent offers to work on field improvements at least one of the school fields, and possibly others, and would seek volunteer help and community funding to get the job done. His offer came as about 25 parents at the board meeting decried the defeat of the $15 million facilities referendum last month and sought ways they can help to get approval for a spending plan. Meyer, who owns Fairway Landscaping and Garden Center on Goffle Road, said he would survey the fields and would start with the most doable, moving to others if possible. Initially, Meyer questioned the board about the field maintenance, asking if a plan is in place. Business Administrator Stacy Garvey said the fields are part of the overall facilities plan, and that specifics are handled by the maintenance staff. “The board is always eager and willing to accept donations for goods and services that will benefit the schools and in this case, the borough’s recreation programs as well,” said board President William Sullivan after the meeting. “It’s great to see residents who are willing to step up and offer their expertise for the betterment of the community. That’s what makes Midland Park the unique and special town that it is,” he added. Sullivan suggested Meyer speak to Dave Lancaster, the borough’s field supervisor, who is thoroughly familiar with the school fields as well. After visiting the fields and speaking to Lancaster, Meyer identified the upper Corps building work to begin A groundbreaking ceremony was held last week to mark the start of the project to convert the vintage barn on the Marlow Park property at 445 Godwin Avenue into the new headquarters for the Midland Park Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which will also house a community meeting room on the second floor. Attorney Tom Wells, representing the Bolger Foundation, which is underwriting the project for the corps, said the foundation closed on the property last week, and all state permits had been acquired. Pictured, from left: Tom Wells, Mayor Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan, Mr. David Bolger, corps Captain Joseph Mulligan, Bolger Foundation President JT Bolger, corps President Dr. Alan Kooreman, and Architect Peter Wells, who designed the renovation. and lower Sunset fields as the worst and in need of regrading, reseeding and a sprinkler system. He said he has the equipment and manpower to do the work and would be willing to put in some materials but would need more help with financing and volunteers. Meyer said he had already reached out to the recreational soccer and baseball associations and had been promised their full support in the fledgling endeavor. He said he would reach out to the other sports organizations as well as the board of recreation and the borough council in hopes grants would be available for the project. “I see the challenges facing the board and see that unless someone steps in, the story will be the same as it has been for the past 20 years. I want to start working in the right direction to improve where there is a desperate need, and hopefully make it better, but it will have to be a community effort,” said Meyer. “The board can focus on achieving a high academic level, and we can provide the extra help,” he said. Meyer said work could begin in March if there are no problems with Ridgewood Water about the irrigation. He stressed, however, that a maintenance component was a must, even on a low budget. He (continued on page 23)