Nutley Parks and Recreation Department Director Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci announced today that permits have been received and a preliminary survey will be starting next week on the Memorial Park (the Mud Hole) mitigation project. Initially planned for early November, the park will be closed to the public beginning January 6th with work on the project to begin the following day. The project is being undertaken in response to the damage caused by 2021’s Tropical Storm Ida. 

“We are moving forward with the necessary work we need to do in order to alleviate and prevent some of the flooding we experienced during Ida and increase retention space for flood waters during future storm events,” Commissioner Tucci said. “We decided to push back the start date so that our residents would still be able to enjoy the beauty of the Mud Hole during the holidays. We didn't want to put a damper on our holiday light tradition that so many of us look forward to each holiday season.”  

The Mud Hole will be closed for approximately six weeks during the mitigation, according to Commissioner Tucci. “We ask for and appreciate everyone’s patience once the work begins. Until then, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy happy holiday season.”