HILLSDALE—More than 100 residents — including public officials, local sports association leaders, and young athletes — turned out Oct. 20 for the official groundbreaking on the $5.8 million Memorial Field upgrade, a project expected to be completed by next spring and open next summer.
Before the brief ceremony, children ran across the grass one last time, kicking a soccer ball and tossing a football as parents and coaches looked on.
Administrator Mike Ghassali called the day a milestone, saying the long-planned improvements will create “an amazing field, a gem of the town” within six months. “Next season, we’ll be here doing the grand opening.”
Mayor Michael Sheinfield said, “This has been a long time coming. I’m so happy to see everybody here,” noting the project had both supporters and opponents. He thanked Borough Engineer Nick Chelius of Colliers Engineering & Design — who brought a rendering of the field — along with the Recreation Commission, sports groups, coaches, parents, and past and present councils. “This did not happen overnight — this is years in the making.”
Chelius said completion depends on the weather: a mild winter could allow a spring finish, while a harsh one might cause delays. He told Pascack Press the project includes conduit for future lighting upgrades at an added cost of about $20,000 to $30,000.
James Lawler, president of the Hillsdale Baseball & Softball Association, thanked the mayor, council, and parents who backed the plan, especially former association presidents who had “been fighting for a decade to get this job done.” He said the finished park will be “an absolutely gorgeous facility” for decades.
Other sports leaders and Recreation Commission members — Ed Grill, John Corring, and Greg Stalb — joined in.
Ghassali said amenities will include two basketball courts, an ADA-accessible playground, picnic area, Pivot artificial-turf field, dugouts, upgraded field house, coach’s box, 40 additional parking spaces, and a walking path.
A Planning Board review is scheduled to confirm consistency with the borough’s Master Plan. Its recommendations will go to the council.
New artificial turf
The field’s natural grass will be replaced with no-infill Pivot synthetic turf, which officials say will allow play immediately after rain and reduce maintenance. The surface carries a 12-year warranty — longer than typical turf systems — and contains no detectable PFAS, PAHs, or lead, according to manufacturer GeoSurfaces of St. Gabriel, La.
On March 11, the Borough Council voted 4–2 to approve Resolution 25-102, authorizing the improvements and capping spending at $5.8 million. Councilmembers Robert Colletti Jr., Justin Fox, Melissa Mazza-Chiong, and Clemente Osso voted in favor; John Ruocco and Janetta Trochimiuk opposed. Both supported field upgrades but cited concerns: Trochimiuk voted no because the resolution did not include field lighting; Ruocco opposed artificial turf.
Ghassali said the borough has budgeted $500,000 annually for field upgrades since 2021. About $1.2 million from that fund, combined with $4.6 million in bonding, will finance the work. He said there will be no annual tax increase if the project stays within the approved cap.
For prior reporting, visit thepressgroup.net and search “Memorial Field.” Also see “Memorial Field upgrade plans due ‘ahead of schedule,’” by Michael Olohan (July 14, 2025).
