JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – This past weekend, many of Jackson’s sports leagues began their new season on new turf and lighted fields. The project to upgrade the township’s inventory of sports fields began in 2022 when Mayor Michael Reina announced that the Justice Complex, Holman Field, and Bartley Softball complexes would receive nearly $3 million in upgrades.
Those upgrades were completed in time for the 2023 sports season.
One year later, Reina said he has no regrets about investing in the town’s recreational facilities.
“This weekend was opening day for many of our sports leagues, and as you drive around town, seeing families cheering on their kids’ teams and seeing the kids out there playing on professional-grade fields is the best return on investment I can ask for,” the mayor said.
The upgrades included new turf fields at the Jackson Justice Complex, including two baseball fields, a soccer field, and a multi-purpose field. The football field turf at the Holman sports complex was replaced.
At the Jackson-owned Barltey Softball Complex, stadium lighting was installed, leveling the playing field for girls’ sports in town. For years, girls’ softball teams competed for a single field at the Jackson Justice complex. Now, each night, girls enrolled in the Holbrook Little League Softball program can play their games in full, under the lights. In the past, early spring games were often cut short because of darkness and safety concerns.
The fields are used by local Little League baseball and softball teams, Jackson Lacrosse, Jackson Soccer Club, Jackson Youth Football, and both high schools. They also host a variety of travel teams and annual tournaments that bring visitors to Jackson Township.
Reina wished the children in the spring sports programs a successful, safe, and fun season in 2024 and said that Jackson Township has one of the best recreational sports field facilities in Ocean County.
“When you look around Jackson on any given night and weekend, these fields are packed with families, and it’s a great sight to see,” he said. “When it comes to the investments in our youth sports and recreation, nobody compares to Jackson, on and off the field.”
