the staff of the Ridgewood blog
PARAMUS, NJ — June 2025 — Petruska Park, the centerpiece of recreational life in Paramus, is set for a major $1.3 million makeover that will bring significant upgrades to its sports fields, playgrounds, fitness amenities, and more — including long-anticipated pickleball courts.
The funding for the park improvement project will be split evenly between a Bergen County Open Space grant and a $650,000 capital investment from the borough, as confirmed by Borough Administrator Hector Olmo. The Paramus Borough Council gave the green light to the project on May 20, 2025.
🏞️ What’s Coming to Petruska Park?
The park renovation includes:
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Four pickleball courts
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Upgraded basketball courts with lighting and bleachers
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New playground equipment
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Improved walkways and drainage systems for sports fields
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Refurbished park benches and picnic areas
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Modern outdoor fitness station
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New waste and recycling bins
“It’s the main park of the town, a key park with a lot of usage,” said Mayor Chris DiPiazza. “We have the rec center with the new wrestling room, so it would get the most use in that park.”
🏗️ Timeline & Environmental Review
While officials hope to begin construction this fall, Olmo noted that work may start closer to winter 2025, pending approval from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Since the new pickleball courts are being built near a local stream, environmental clearance is required before construction can begin.
🏛️ A Park with History
Petruska Park was established in 1958, when local developer Michael Petruska Sr. donated 11 acres of land to Paramus in honor of his 24-year-old son, Michael Petruska Jr., who tragically died in a plane crash. The park remains a “living memorial” to his legacy and continues to serve as a community hub for sports, recreation, and family activities.
🏓 Pickleball on the Rise in Paramus
The addition of pickleball courts follows a 2023 announcement that Paramus would be joining the pickleball movement, thanks to a previous Bergen County Open Space grant. With the sport growing in popularity across New Jersey, officials say Petruska Park was the obvious choice due to its central location and high foot traffic.
The project builds on past enhancements, including a $50,000 anonymous donation in 2024 that allowed for the renovation of the park’s recreation center and the addition of a wrestling practice room.
🌟 A Community Investment
This $1.3 million upgrade reaffirms Paramus’ commitment to expanding and modernizing its recreational spaces for residents of all ages. With pickleball, new playgrounds, and better sports facilities on the way, Petruska Park is set to become an even more vibrant community destination.
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