LINDEN, NJ – The Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA) is advancing three capital improvement projects across Union County to expand recreation, improve accessibility and preserve historic resources for future generations.

Three recent capital improvement projects at Warinanco Park, Trailside Nature Center and the Deserted Village highlight efforts to maintain and enhance the public spaces that Union County residents enjoy.

“At UCIA, we are proud to help bring projects like these from vision to reality,” said Dr. Bibi Taylor, Executive Director of the Union County Improvement Authority. “Whether we are improving a recreational facility, making a trail more accessible or preserving an important piece of Union County’s history, these investments are about ensuring residents can continue to enjoy high-quality public spaces throughout the county.”

Expanding Recreation at Warinanco Park

At Warinanco Park, a $4.8 million improvement project is transforming Ballfield #3 into an enlarged synthetic turf baseball field spanning approximately 3.7 acres.

The upgraded field will better accommodate a variety of teams and includes new high-mast LED sports lighting, covered dugouts and bleachers, a flagpole beyond the outfield fence, a timber storage shed and an extensive underground stormwater detention system.

The project is expected to be completed in October, providing local teams and visitors with an enhanced space for recreation and competition.

Improving Accessibility at Trailside Nature Center

Completed in September, the $525,000 project added sections of poured-in-place rubber trail surface, improved the fire pit and bench area with stabilized stone and installed a new footbridge behind the Nature Center in an area affected by heavy runoff.

Drainage improvements were also made along the trail and beside the Nature Center to help divert water away from the walking surface. Additional upgrades include new signage and a replacement Braille guide rope along portions of the trail.

Together, the improvements are designed to make the Sensory Trail more accessible, resilient and welcoming for visitors.

Preserving the Deserted Village

UCIA is also helping preserve an important part of Union County’s history through $412,000 in roof improvements at Houses 5, 10 and 11 at the Deserted Village.

Completed in August, the historic preservation project included repairing or replacing existing roof structural members as needed and installing new roof deck systems and wood roofing shingles.

The improvements will help protect the historic structures from the elements while maintaining the character of one of Union County’s distinctive historic destinations.

From recreation and accessibility to historic preservation, these projects reflect UCIA’s continued commitment to working with Union County to invest in public spaces that strengthen communities and improve quality of life for residents.

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About the Union County Improvement Authority

The Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA) plans, develops and manages public improvements in Union County. The UCIA’s role varies from project to project and includes planning and permitting, selection and oversight of design/development teams, requests for proposal and contract administration, contractor oversight and coordination, infrastructure construction and post-construction monitoring. The UCIA is unique because of its financing capabilities and extensive project management experience. This distinctive combination enables the UCIA to provide assistance to ensure public projects are completed in a cost-effective and professional manner. For more information about the UCIA, visit https://ucimprovementauthority.org/.