The Official Merrill Park Press Release

County Modernizing
Merrill Park in Woodbridge

FEBRUARY 19, 2013 -- The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce that it has begun enhancements to Merrill Park in Woodbridge Township to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in one of the County’s most heavily used and oldest parks. 

“Currently, both pedestrians and vehicles share the same road through the park,” said Freeholder Stephen J. “Pete” Dalina, chair of the County’s Infrastructure Management Committee. “When complete, the project will provide for safer traffic flow through Merrill Park with the use of traffic calming devices, while providing separate, 10-foot wide paved walking paths for pedestrians.”

The project is anticipated to be completed this summer

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Fences have been erected and some trees had to be removed as part of the first phase of the project with full-time construction to begin at the end of the month. Merrill Park will remain open during construction, with facilities fully-accessible by the public. However, vehicular traffic will be limited during construction. 

“Under the leadership of Freeholder Dalina the County has consistently and successfully modernized our parks throughout the years so that they incorporate the latest in park design and offer the best recreational opportunities for our residents,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Ronald G. Rios.

The project will also add 120 parking spaces, 185 new trees and shrubs, pedestrian paths and bridges connecting core areas of the park. Stormwater retention and infiltration basins will be incorporated as part of the project.

The entrance to Merrill Park from Fairview Avenue and New Dover Road will remain open throughout construction.  The entrance from Middlesex-Essex Turnpike will be closed during construction.  Park patrons are asked to use the Fairview Avenue entrance.