Essex County College Soccer Field

French & Parrello Associates (FPA) was retained by Essex County Vocational-Technical Schools to design a new collegiate soccer and lacrosse field with a brand-new synthetic turf surface. To maintain a level playing field, a 12-foot-high modular retaining wall was constructed along the west and south sides. The field is fully enclosed with a four-foot-high black vinyl fence, while a 25-foot-high netting system on three sides helps keep the ball within the field limits.

On the north side, two five-tiered metal bleachers provide seating for spectators, shaded by dark green structures for relief from the summer sun. Adjacent to the stands, a pre-engineered split-face block building houses four heated unisex restrooms and a storage closet, allowing usability in the late fall and early spring.

State-of-the-art LED athletic field lighting ensures optimal visibility for nighttime games while minimizing glare on nearby properties. Additionally, an 8-foot-tall by 16-foot-long wireless-controlled scoreboard is positioned on the player’s side, offering spectators a clear view of the game’s clock and score.

To enhance accessibility, a dedicated bus drop-off area was constructed behind the stands, streamlining the arrival process for visiting teams. FPA’s role in this project also included limited topographical mapping, permitting, utility location, field design, lighting design, site layout, geotechnical evaluation and reporting, and construction observation.