Holmdel recreation needs to be studied By maura dowgin Staff Writer HOLMDEL — The Township Committee has hired a consultant to evaluate the township’s recreation needs. Last month, the committee hired Kinsey Associates, Hackettstown, to examine and evaluate the demographics of the township, the existing recreational areas, township- and school-owned land, and the recreation department, said Christopher Schultz, township administrator. The consultants will examine whether the township should move from a superintendent of recreation to a director of recreation, as well as look at job descriptions within the department, Schultz said. The consultant will also look into the maintenance of the fields, Schultz said. Field maintenance is becoming a problem because of the number of new fields and how fast they are being built in the township, Schultz said. The township is hoping "to try to save maintenance money down the road," Schultz said. The consultant will be examining more recreation in the township for all age groups, Schultz said. On top of examining the playing fields, the consultants will be examining programs, such as a summer concert series, which could be offered during the year. The cost of the consultant to the township is about $20,000, Schultz said. If funds are available after the evaluations are completed, the consultant will send out surveys to township residents to determine the recreation needs of the public. The township talked to about 12 other towns and the New Jersey Recreation Association, looking for recommendations on recreation consultants. Kinsey came highly recommended, Schultz said. All of the work is expected to be completed on or about Oct. 1, Schultz said.