New pavilion and other upgrades planned for Cribbs Field in Verona

Verona officials plan to install new amenities at Cribbs Field with the help of state funds.

The borough received a $200,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the recreational upgrades. It is a matching grant with a $30,000 borough contribution.

The park is off Second Street and South Avenue. Plans include a new concession stand, pavilion and restrooms.

Its current structure will be torn down, which borough manager Jerry Kenna said has been a long time coming.

“The building has deteriorated,” Kenna said Monday. “We’re trying to put money into the parks and attract people to them. The new facilities will help do that.”

Borough Engineer Matt Pitsch said the old pavilion and restrooms were not up to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, among other issues.

“What was being used as a concession area was basically a storage closet,” he said. “With all the good things going on in town, it’s a way to take the pavilions and restrooms to the next level and be more usable.”

Council recently awarded the project to Plum-based Pampena Landscaping & Construction.

They were the lowest of five bidders. Estimated total cost is $210,000.

The company has done sewer and small paving projects for Verona in previous years.

“They seem to be pretty reliable,” Kenna said. “Their price is fair. I don’t have any issue with them.”

Demolition of the old pavilion/restroom is expected to be completed within the next few weeks with construction to commence in early spring.

Community groups such as the Riverview Athletic Association and the Lower Valley Athletic Foundation use Cribbs Field for their games and events.

One of the major events for LVAF is the annual Battle in the Borough, a pro wrestling extravaganza with Lawrenceville-based Keystone State Wrestling Alliance, that features Verona’s own “BROhemoth” Ian Taylor.

LVAF treasurer Timothy Long believes the new amenities will be a boost for the borough and organizations looking for an outdoor venue.

“It will help us raise more money to run more programs for the town and help out more local families in need,” Long said. “It will give us updated handicap accessible bathrooms, and it is replacing an old run down pavilion that does not have a concession stand. It is my hope to be able to run larger events for Verona.”