After months of anticipation, on March 29, the North Caldwell Township cut the ribbon for its newly renovated tennis and pickleball courts. On the opening day, the North Caldwell community came together to see the newly renovated complex, which includes refurbished tennis and pickleball courts and a new multi-sport court.
Before these renovations, North Caldwell also updated the baseball and soccer field behind Town Hall, adding new turf fields that serve a purpose for both sports. Considering the spike in interest for tennis and pickleball and the lack of courts, the town decided it was necessary to revamp the facility. With these additions, North Caldwell now has four new pickleball courts and four tennis courts.
Mayor Josh Raymond says these renovations are just the next step in improving the multiple sports facilities available to North Caldwell residents.
“The opening of the state-of-the-art Courts at Liberty Park is the next phase of improving the recreational facilities in North Caldwell,” Raymond said. “Adding much-needed pickleball courts creates additional opportunities for exercise and programs.”
North Caldwell dedicated the center court in the complex to honor resident Jonathan Rapkin. Rapkin, 50 and a West Essex parent, was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare type of brain cancer. In August, at a town event called Neighbors Night Out, Rapkin was honored for his contributions to the North Caldwell Recreation Foundation, a community he had been a part of ever since moving here in 2008. He has always advocated for improving the town’s parks and facilities to provide better recreational opportunities for all. As a former college tennis player himself, Rapkin’s name was a fitting match for center court in the town’s latest project. Erin Rapkin, Jon’s wife, expressed how much this event and day meant to Jon and how honored she was to see his work displayed to the community.
“I was so proud to see Jon honored for his service to the North Caldwell community,” Erin Rapkin said. “Dedicating the court in his name meant more to him than anyone can imagine, as his passion for the sport of tennis is part of who he is.”
The West Essex Boys and Girls tennis teams attended the event, where they had the opportunity to play on the new surfaces and connect as a program. The courts and multi-purpose facilities are now officially open to the public for everybody to enjoy ahead of the spring and summer seasons.
