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Parks & Environmental Services
Lou Costello Memorial Park had fallen into a state of disrepair, but the city of Paterson, N.J., and several local partners are revitalizing it. Here is the park as it appeared in November 2019. (Brian Logan Photography/Shutterstock.com)
Paterson revitalizes Lou Costello Memorial Park By BETH ANNE BRINK-COX | The Municipal
Abbott and Costello. If you don’t recognize those names, you’ve probably heard their classic “Who’s On First?” routine. In New Jersey, you’re likely to remember the public park that bears the name of Lou Costello. On June 26, 1992, a statue of Costello, complete with a baseball bat, was dedicated in the newly named Lou Costello Memorial Park in Paterson. That statue has been seen in episodes of “The Sopranos” and elsewhere. But in recent years, the park had become neglected, all but abandoned, with the gazebo becoming an unofficial shelter for homeless people. In November, plans were unveiled to renovate and restore the historic park, including a full redesign. The gazebo would be replaced with a stage, honoring Costello’s love of performing arts. New lights would be installed, trees would line all sides of the park and — in what would surely please many families — a new playground would be constructed. The playground would include a 60 THE MUNICIPAL | AUGUST 2021
special section for children with autism, using pictures for easier navigation and words on a slideshow for those who prefer such assistance. Offering various accommodations would be a major boon for families wishing safer places for their differently abled children to play. Six firms competed for the $1.2 million contract. Adamo Brothers Construction was chosen as the lowest responsible bidder for such a large undertaking as the project had to be completed in six
