Diamond 4 Grand Opening

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Women and young girls wore their "Field of Dreams" Rutherford Softball shirts while standing along the perimeter of Diamond 4 on Saturday, May 31st. It was a historical day for girls' softball in Rutherford as the community gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Diamond 4.

Our Borough elected officials (Mayor Frank Nunziato, Councilman Ray Guzman, Councilman Matt Cokeley, Council President Stephanie McGowan, and Councilwoman Christie DelRey-Cone), Neglia Engineering, many young softball players, their coaches, and their families, and the Presidents of Rutherford Softball, Mark O'Connor and Ryan Hadrava were there to celebrate this special occasion. County Commissioners Thomas Sullivan, Mary Amoroso, and Germaine Ortiz were also in attendance.

Borough Administrator Bob Kakoleski kicked off the ceremony as he spoke about the unique facility, the only hybrid field in the county that combines a turf playing area with a grassed field area. He pointed out the coach's box, press box, new dugouts, and secure fencing. He thanked Rutherford Little League Softball coaches and players for their input and Neglia Engineering for all of their hard work in the development of the diamond.

Senator Paul Sarlo, who secured state funding for this project, spoke about the numerous times his daughters' Wood-Ridge softball teams played Rutherford teams on their fields. As a fellow neighbor and a father of daughters, he explained the importance of providing girls with a field of their own. Eight million dollars was secured over two budget cycles, as well as funding through the Open Space Trust Fund to design and build Diamond 4. Sarlo told the crowd that it was great to see such amazing progress and that the funding was wisely invested.

Commissioner Thomas Sullivan, also a father who has coached and supported his daughters as they played softball, congratulated Rutherford and said that girls deserve the same as boys as the crowd applauded.

Photo credit: Rutherford Little League Girls Softball Facebook page

Commissioner Mary Amoroso enthusiastically told the crowd that she was happy to stand with the girls. As the mother and grandmother of athletes, she spoke about the importance of athletic fields and their importance in the community.

Commissioner Germaine Ortiz said she takes great pride in Bergen County's parks. She exclaimed, "Girl Power" as the audience enthusiastically responded. She read the Proclamation, and then Mayor and Council, Commissioners, softball coaches, and softball team members cut the ribbon. Mayor Frank Nunziato recognized the Presidents of the Rutherford NJ Girls Softball, Mark O'Connor and Ryan Hadrava.

With great applause and huge smiles, attendees stood upon the aptly named "Field of Dreams", Diamond 4, Rutherford Memorial Field.