BLOOMFIELD, NJ --The renovations of Joseph Tiseo Ramp Park have been completed and the park is officially open to the public. The project was paid for through a Community Development Block Grant and the contract was awarded to American Ramp Company.
“Our township has some of the best and most well maintained parks in the county thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, DPW and Parks Maintenance. The Council and I are grateful for the job that each of those departments do on a daily basis,” said Mayor Michael Venezia. “Since the park opened in 2008, bikers and skaters from all over the community have come to Bloomfield to experience this park. I am so pleased with the final outcome of the renovation and the fact that we were able to pay for it entirely through grant funding.”
Over the past decade, the park has had minor improvements and repairs to keep it a safe and a viable location for bikers and skaters to utilize. Over the past few years upkeep of the park became more and more difficult because of exposure to the weather as well as constant use. The wood frames started to deteriorate and become dry rotted.
In 2018, Michael Sceurman, Director of the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department applied for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in an attempt to perform a complete renovation. With the full support of the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee and the Mayor and Council, the Township of Bloomfield passed a resolution to approve the project. The contract was awarded to American Ramp Company in the amount of $352,599.36. 
During the planning phase, the township collaborated with local bikers and skaters including Adam Hauck and Michael Del Purgatorio, along with American Ramp Company to create a ramp park that was user friendly to both bikers and skateboarders of various levels of ability. A more streamlined flow was created along with a portion of the park with smaller ramps and a grind rail for beginners.
“Throughout the design phase it was important to me to collaborate with residents that used the park on a regular basis to get their input and suggestions,” said Michael Sceurman. “Equally as important was the materials used during construction. I wanted to make sure we used metal framing along with the skatelite surfacing so that the equipment can withstand constant use and the weather in our area. The 15 year warranty that American Ramp Company provides assures that this park will remain safe and residents will enjoy it for many years to come.”
The demolition of the park began on July 19 and soon after, brand new asphalt was laid down to have a smooth riding surface. American Ramp Company mobilized and started the installation of equipment the first week of October.
The township is reminding all users that their safety is its top priority and reminds everyone to wear the proper safety equipment such as helmets, elbow and knee pads. Additionally, there will be COVID-19 related social distancing policies in effect to limit potential exposure.
“The completion of the renovations to Joseph Tiseo Park is another example of our commitment to having the highest quality outdoor spaces possible for our residents,” said Councilman Ted Gamble. “We have prioritized both growing and improving upon recreational space for our families and doing so at little or no cost to taxpayers. We will continue to apply for grant money so that we can do outstanding future projects like this.”
“Working collaboratively with the community we were able to complete a spectacular renovation of Joseph Tiseo Ramp Park,” said Councilwoman and Liaison to the Bloomfield Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Jenny Mundell. “I am so proud of the quality of our parks and look forward to continuing to improve and expand upon our outdoor spaces. I am thankful for the hard work of all of our municipal employees that played a role in the completion of this renovation and look forward to seeing it put to use.”