Princeton Seeking Design Proposals for Mary Moss Park

The wading pool at the Mary Moss Park.
The wading pool at the Mary Moss Park.

The town of Princeton has issued a request for proposals for the redesign and expansion of Mary Moss Park. The park is located at the corner of Lytle Street and John Street in the Witherspoon Jackson neighborhood.

The municipality has purchased a property next to the park from developer Roman Barsky. One of the lots will be used to expand the park. The property was purchased for $525,000, plus demolition costs. Mercer County open space funds and municipal open space funds were used for the purchase of the lot that will be park of the park. The Princeton Housing Authority has also donated another property on John Street to the town for the expansion.

The consultant selected for the project will develop a site plan and construction plans for the park and playground. The consultant will review plans with residents from the neighborhood for feedback.

Construction of the expanded park is expected to being in the fall of 2016.

Mary Moss Park has been an active recreation park for more than 65 years. It began as a park for the African‐American and Italian families living in the Witherspoon Jackson neighborhood.  The .17-acre park has a wading pool that is open from late June through July. The park will be expanded .10 of an acre.

The park renovation and expansion will possibly include some of the following:

– a permanent restroom facility and family changing area
– shade structures
‐ a sprayground or wading pool
– security fencing and lighting
– more landscaping
– a park theme and signage
– bicycle parking
– community gathering spaces

In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, two affordable housing units will be build on one of the lots the town purchased if enough money can be raised for the affordable housing project.