Roselle Public Schools Hosts Groundbreaking Celebration of Arminio Athletic Field
Roselle, New Jersey (June 10, 2017) – After four and half years of planning, Roselle Public Schools hosted the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Arminio Athletic Field. The groundbreaking initiated construction of the new football, track, and field facility. The complex will feature a weight room, lockers, bathrooms and meeting space. Other amenities will include a concession area and a “Walk of Fame”— a special place of recognition of former Roselle Ram football players.
“Today we gather for this joyous groundbreaking ceremony marking the construction of our new football field and track,” said Andrea Staten, councilwoman of the third ward and mistress of ceremonies for the afternoon. “Today is not only a big day for us but more importantly for our students, who will reap the benefits of this amazing new complex.”
The ceremony took place on the current football field, which stood outdated with holes in the grass. Many in attendance questioned how the Roselle Rams could win as many games as they have on that field. This project has been a goal of not only the council and school board but also the community. Many shared personal reasons for attending and even remembered their days on the field.
“My own children played on this field,” said Council President, Kim Shaw. “My daughter was a high school cheerleader, my son played football for the Rams and so I have been out here Sunday, Saturday week after week; for years. This is something we wanted for our kids for a long time.”
The existing field holds memories and records that members of the community will not forget. This is where Roselle became a family. Before the shovels were in the ground, there was special recognition given to Valerie Hurling Hall who is a resident of Roselle. She sold her house for the additional land needed for the recreation project.
“Ms. Hurling Hall owns the house right behind the field, and trust me this project would not be possible if Ms. Valerie Hurling Hall did not allow us to buy her home,” said Assemblyman, Jamel Holley.
Assemblyman Holley has also procured 1.2 million dollars from the State of New Jersey to assist in the development of the new complex. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic shovels in the ground while the athletes, current, and past, gathered around.
