SCHOOL NO. 10

The City of Linden broke ground Monday, Oct. 6, on a $2.3 million synthetic turf field at Al Kalla Park, kicking off the first phase of a major park redevelopment project funded in large part by a $2.1 million legislative grant secured by Senate President Nicholas Scutari.

The project, located behind School No. 10 at 2800 Wickersham Ave., will replace Al Kalla Park’s outdated grass surface with a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field designed to expand athletic access, eliminate weather-related closures, and give Linden’s youth and school athletes a reliable, professional-grade place to play.

The new facility, expected to be completed by Christmas 2025, will feature regulation-sized fields for football and soccer, along with two 7v7 youth soccer fields, significantly increasing the park’s usability and providing year-round opportunities for student-athletes and community recreation programs.

Scutari, who attended the ceremony alongside Mayor Derek Armstead, Linden Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, and other district, city and community leaders, described the project as an investment in the city’s youth and future.

“This isn’t just about today or tomorrow — it’s about the future,” said Scutari, who grew up in Linden and recalled childhood games played in the very same park. “The earlier children gain access to quality spaces like this, the more doors we open — for college, professional opportunities, and community pride. Linden deserves this.”

Scutari’s remarks came as students from School No. 10, many of whom participate in the city’s recreational soccer programs, looked on proudly—some with soccer balls at their feet. The children, accompanied by their principal Wayne Happel and Superintendent Perkins, were later invited to take part in the ceremonial photo, golden shovels in hand, standing alongside elected officials and community leaders in front of renderings of the new facility.

“Seeing the kids here today, excited about what’s coming, is exactly why this project matters,” Scutari added. “They are the reason we do this work.”

Mayor Armstead called the new field a “game changer,” noting that Linden’s youth sports teams have long struggled to find adequate space for practices and games.

“For too long, our children have had to fight for space just to practice,” Armstead said. “This field gives us a dedicated, professional-grade home.”

Parks and Recreation Director Keith Pressey, who led much of the planning effort, said the Al Kalla Park project is the first phase of a planned three-phase revitalization aimed at modernizing the entire park. He emphasized that the benefits will extend beyond athletes.

“This is a labor of love,” Pressey said. “This project impacts our community, our schools, and our residents. Now it’s game on.”

A Catalyst for Community Renewal

The Al Kalla Park upgrade marks the beginning of a bold, three-part transformation that promises to reimagine the park as a year-round hub for recreation, resilience, and community connection. More than just a new playing surface, the project is poised to eliminate long-standing barriers caused by weather disruptions and aging infrastructure—replacing them with consistent access, modern design, and high-performance functionality. Once completed, the field will serve as a vital anchor for school athletics, youth leagues, and citywide events—offering a safe, high-quality space that reflects the pride and potential of Linden. City officials emphasized that this is just the beginning of a larger vision: one that expands opportunity not only for student-athletes, but for families, neighbors, and the entire community.

Project Details and Construction Timeline

Pressey also confirmed that the field addresses longstanding drainage issues and limited access due to weather. In addition to the new turf field, the project includes:

The field will be constructed by Applied Landscape Technologies, with design and engineering services provided by Suburban Consulting Engineers. The expected completion date is December 2025, barring delays.