By: Melissa A. Kay

The Kinnelon community is gearing up for a freshening, and the Kinnelon Recreation Department is seeking locals to participate in The Kinnelon Community Project – Phase 1. Through the beauty and benefits of artwork, the fading facades of three local outdoor athletic facility buildings are about to get a boost. The Recreation Department is asking anyone with an artistic edge or inspired idea to lend their talents to the elevating effort, to add new life and light to the close-knit community.

The three buildings getting made over are the Municipal Field Complex behind town hall, the Kinnelon Recreation Park (designs for the outdoor building and new dugouts for the lower field) at 52 Boonton Avenue, and the Boonton Avenue Field Facility at 174 Boonton Avenue.

At this point, the initial idea phase is underway, where the Recreation Department is seeking submissions for murals, the written word (phrases), or even a vision for a brand new vibe. And anyone is welcome to join the fun, from school-agers to senior citizens, inspired individuals or gifted groups. You can be new at your craft or a seasoned pro. As long as you have the drive, desire, and dedication, you’re already a solid candidate. All ideas are welcome and wanted. It’s all about getting together for a creative cause that will make the buildings even better. And teamwork is always a treasure.

Melanie Schuckers, Recreation Director for the Borough of Kinnelon shared her positivity about the project, “The Kinnelon Community Project has been a collaboration of ideas by our dedicated Recreation Committee members to tap the spirit of the town in an artistic way. Kinnelon residents have an amazing sense of pride in their town and we wanted to give them an opportunity to express their passions through this first phase. We hope to receive many unique submissions and believe the ideas will also serve as direction for future community activities. Our residents are so strongly invested in this town seen through extraordinary volunteerism and public service. We are excited to start this project.”

The deadline to submit artwork ideas for the three Kinnelon buildings is March 29th and all submissions will be carefully considered and reviewed by the Recreation Committee. Their top recommendations will be presented to the Mayor and Council who will choose the final designs, then the work will be underway as spring starts to blossom. The artists selected to share their work will be honored by having their name signed to their artwork on the buildings. The whole town is excited to see what’s in store, especially since it will be area residents gifting the community with their artistic interpretations and expressions of what it means to live in Kinnelon.

To participate in The Kinnelon Community Project – Phase 1 or ask any questions about the submission process, you can call (973) 838-5401 ext. 220 or email mschuckers@kinnelonboro.org.