Boro family donates playground
BY CHRISTINE VARNO
Staff Writer

WEST LONG BRANCH –– A local family will be donating playground equipment to the borough to be installed at one of the community parks.

Matthew and Carrie Sniffen, of Norwood Avenue, announced at the Dec. 20 council meeting that they will purchase a $13,000 playground set for Sorrentino Park on the corner of Monmouth Road and Wall Street.

The Sniffens will also pay an additional $7,000 to have the equipment installed, according to Councilman Christopher M. Neyhart.

“I think this is great,” Neyhart said after the meeting.

“A few of us [on council] have talked about how nice it would be to have a playground at the park,” Neyhart said.

“We have also heard from some borough residents who said it would be nice to have a play area at [Sorrentino] park,” he said, adding, “a generous gift like this is a great opportunity.”

Plans call for the playground to be installed in the spring and the borough is responsible for preparing the area before the installation, according to Neyhart.

The borough will also install pea stones at the playground after it is installed, Neyhart said.

The total cost to the borough will be under $2,000, Neyhart said.

Sorrentino Park currently has soccer fields, according to Neyhart, who said a playground would be a great addition.

“Carrie helps out with the sports association and she coaches soccer,” Neyhart said, “so, she is there a lot and they have young kids.

“They realize the benefit of having a play area,” he said.

The Sniffens told the council they wanted to give back to the community, Neyhart said.

Mayor Janet Tucci said at the council meeting, “On behalf of the borough, I would like to thank you for your most generous gift.”

The playground was ordered last week, according to Neyhart, who said it will be arriving in four to six weeks and stored until spring.