Photo courtesy NBD/West Essex Tribune
Baseball legend Don Larsen cut the ribbon to open the Okner Parkway
Athletic Complex on October 7, 2006. Former Governor Richard
Codey, Essex County Executive Joe D'Vincenzo, current and former
Township Council members, and members of the Township Sports
Council.
Following the opening ceremonies,
the fields were used for an exhibition baseball game, a softball
game, a volleyball competition and seven soccer matches. The
driveway leading into the complex was named in Larsen's honor.
At the October 9 joint Board of Education/Township
Council meeting, Recreation Department Supervisor Ken Lomax reported
the following:
In 2005: 2400 children were playing
soccer; 1750 were involved in softball; 1250 in baseball; 250
in lacrosse; 150 in football; and 50 in cheeerleading. He also
said there is a growing demand for additional practice time
and for additional sports.
