General Information
The Frank “Nap” Torpey Athletic Complex is an initiative of the Somerset County Park Commission that involves the development of a multi-district athletic complex on property acquired by Somerset County as part of its on-going Park/Open Space program. The property is located along the north side of the Raritan River in Bridgewater Township. The property is one of several acquired, or to be acquired, as part of the County’s Raritan River Greenway initiative; a priority park as defined by the County’s duly adopted "Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan".

The concept for this complex is a direct result of the Somerset County Regional Center Committee’s "Vision Initiative" proposed in November, 1999. This planning effort reaffirmed the appropriateness of creating a public greenbelt along the course of the Raritan River; the southern boundary of Somerset County’s only Regional Center. The first phase of the “Nap” Torpey Athletic Complex, in fact, begins the process of implementing the Regional Center’s Vision.

The overall athletic facility is being designed to respond to an urgent need to provide the residents of the County’s Regional Center (Somerville, Raritan, and Bridgewater) with much-needed new athletic fields. The short fall in facilities has become critical with the Region’s increased population and the demand upon overloaded existing local facilities. This project would provide direct relief to the Regional Center area with the construction of alternatives to the region’s existing facilities. By sharing the proposed new facilities with several local entities, from both the private and public sector, the Commission foresees an opportunity to maximize an exceptional location, and to leverage the resources of several jurisdictions.

Athletic and Lifetime Sport Opportunities
The existing athletic facility includes one (1) lighted baseball field, one (1) lighted softball field, which is available for rental for tournaments and league play and practice. The open field to the south of the baseball and softball fields is currently programmed as soccer fields for the local recreation departments and high schools. This open area will become the next phase of the overall athletic complex development, and will include a synthetic turf multipurpose athletic field with associated indoor recreational and support facilities. This phase is currently being designed. A future development phase will include two natural turf multipurpose fields.

click here for map of the existing complex


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