Photo by Lynne Deliman
Construction of the new Clever Park playground in Robinson has been delayed because of weather and COVID-19 barriers.
By Jamie Wiggan
-Robinson-
Plans to build a new police station in Robinson are moving forward as the township considers bids from interested contractors.
Robinson officials have been working to replace its aging station and adjoining municipal center for several years, but according to Manager Frank Piccolino, initial plans to relocate to The Mall at Robinson were scrapped due to mounting expenses.
Instead, a proposed 95,000-square-foot police station building now represents the first of three stages for upgrading the township’s municipal facilities at a reduced cost. The administrative building and public works facilities will be renovated rather than replaced during later phases.
Piccolino said the station is currently in greatest need of attention.
“The current one they’re in now, it’s not working,” he said. “There’s not enough room.”
The bidding window closed Sept. 15 and proposals will be presented to the board Sept. 23, Piccolino said.
Capital reserve funds have been set aside to cover the costs.
Playground
Hampered by the coronavirus fallout and recent weather delays, officials are ironing out final details to determine if the new children’s playground at Clever Park will open before the end of the season.
Piccolino said construction finished in late August, but landscaping plans were delayed by a slew of recent rainstorms and remain unfinished.
Fencing and concrete walking paths must also be installed before opening.
Officials are still deciding on whether to move ahead with plans to upgrade the adjacent pavilion — which would delay reopening until the spring — or holding off and conducting a “soft opening” in the coming weeks.