Maplewood’s most recent effort to finally fix the drainage issues at DeHart Park field on Burnett Avenue is on track for completion this spring — with sod installation scheduled for this week.
Officials are asking locals to please keep off the grass until it has time to “establish strong roots and develop into a durable playing surface.”
According to a press release from the Township, “Until the fields officially reopen, residents, including children and pets, must stay off the newly sodded fields. …The Township will closely monitor the fields and post clear signage around the park. Anyone found using the closed grass fields will receive a summons and could be fined up to $500.”
In February, Paul Kittner, Maplewood Township’s engineer and the Director of Public Works, estimated the field’s construction cost between $2.75-3 million.” The recent Township press release put the price tag at $2.05M. The township is planning to submit an application to the New Jersey’s Green Acres Program to help pay for a majority of the cost.
DeHart field has been at the center of community conversations around field maintenance and availability, and the debate over grass vs. artificial turf, for almost two decades. Efforts to install artificial turf were defeated twice in townwide refererenda (the first in 2008, the second in 2021). An effort to re-sod the field to make it more durable and playable after the first referendum failed to resolve the drainage issues and meet the demands placed on the field. The most recent project is the result of multiple community meetings. The Township has also pledged — and budgeted — to hire a full-time fields manager.
Regarding the fields manager, Deputy Mayor Malia Herman said in April, “We’re taking this seriously. It’s not going to be more of the same. We are going to turn a new page in the maintenance of our beautiful grass fields.”
Meanwhile, the township is next turning its attention to improving the playground spaces at DeHart. Read more here:
Photo by Mary Barr Mann. October 20, 2026.
From Maplewood Township:
[MAPLEWOOD, NJ, OCTOBER 19, 2026] – Good news for Maplewood! The DeHart Park field renovation is on schedule, with sod installation expected to begin this week. This marks an exciting milestone as the Township moves closer to delivering improved playing fields for the community, with a projected opening in spring 2027.
As the new grass goes down, an important next phase begins: protecting it.
The DeHart Park grass fields will remain closed throughout the winter and until their anticipated opening in spring 2027 to allow the new sod to establish strong roots and develop into a durable playing surface. Until the fields officially reopen, residents, including children and pets, must stay off the newly sodded fields.
Activity of any kind during this critical period could damage the new grass turf and jeopardize the $2.05 million renovation. The Township will closely monitor the fields and post clear signage around the park. Anyone found using the closed grass fields will receive a summons and could be fined up to $500.
“We’re excited to be one step closer to welcoming everyone back,” said Mayor Vic DeLuca, “but getting the fields ready is only part of the job. This winter, we need everyone’s help to protect the new grass so it has the time it needs to take root. A little patience will go a long way toward ensuring the Maplewood community gets to enjoy DeHart Park for years to come.”
For more information on the DeHart Park renovation, head to our DeHart Park Rehabilitation landing page on our website – and follow Maplewood Township’s official communications channels for updates.
