Revitalizing the Heart of Union Township’s Athletics

Rabkin Park sits at the geographic center of Union Township, and for years it has played an equally central role in the community’s athletic life. Jointly owned by the Township and the Union Township Board of Education, the park’s multipurpose fields have hosted high school junior varsity soccer, freshman football, JV baseball, JV softball, and field hockey, along with the local Pop Warner football program. It’s the kind of facility that touches every age group and every season.

Years of inclement weather had degraded the fields to the point where conditions were not only subpar but potentially hazardous for players. The Township and Board of Education initiated a comprehensive redesign with a clear objective: transform Rabkin Park into a modern hub for sports and recreation while preserving its role as a community gathering space for special events throughout the year.

Redesigned for Versatility, Phased for Access

Under the leadership of Township Engineer Joe Venezia, our team reimagined the field layout with an innovative design that incorporates a full-length multipurpose field capable of being subdivided into smaller sections for different events and sports. That flexibility maximizes the park’s use across seasons and programs without requiring additional acreage. Given the park’s importance to residents and the public, the revitalization was strategically phased to ensure continuous access throughout the renovation process. At no point was the park closed to the community it serves.

Completion of the multipurpose field marks a significant milestone in Rabkin Park’s transformation, with plans already in motion for upgrading the tennis courts as the next phase. For a park that has always been at the center of Union Township, the facilities now match the role it plays.