County, Middle Township officials celebrate groundbreaking ceremony at Davies Sports Complex

Cape May County officials joined Middle Township leaders on Monday to break ground on an improvement project at the Clarence and Georgiana Davies Sports Complex in the Goshen section of Middle Township.

The county has committed $2.4 million toward the $4.5 million project through the Cape May County Open Space Program, underscoring the county’s longstanding commitment to expanding recreational opportunities and investing in community assets, according to a news release.

County Commissioner Director Leonard Desiderio, along with Commissioner Vice Director Andrew Bulakowski and Commissioner Bob Barr, joined county Open Space Board members, municipal officials and other guests to celebrate the launch of the project.

Desiderio praised the strong partnership between the county and Middle Township.

“This is exactly the kind of project our Open Space program was designed to support – initiatives that enhance quality of life, expand recreational opportunities, and invest directly into our communities. Today, we recognize the collaboration and shared service between Cape May County and Middle Township in moving this project forward, and we look ahead with excitement to the day the fields are filled with young athletes and proud families cheering them on,” Desiderio said in the release.

The construction contract was awarded to H4 Enterprises for a total project cost of approximately $4.5 million. The project will proceed in phases throughout 2026.

With a total of 10 new and improved active recreational fields, Middle Township’s county-supported plan will upgrade nearly every field and amenity within the Clarence Davies and Georgiana Sports Complex.

Improvements include:

• Construction/reconstruction of four Little League fields, one baseball field, one softball field, two soccer fields, a dual lacrosse and field hockey field, and a football field.
• New dugouts, press boxes, stadium seating, fencing, and backstop netting.
• A new grandstand and press box at the football field.
• Upgraded lighting systems throughout the complex.
• An enhanced entrance and wayfinding signage.
• Upgraded paving, walkways and ADA access.
• Security improvements, including cameras and enhanced lighting.

The improvements are designed to support year-round recreation, expand athletic. programming and enhance opportunities for youth sports across Cape May County.

Barr, serving as the commission’s liaison to the Open Space Board, highlighted the scale and purpose of the county’s contribution.

“This project exemplifies the broad vision for our Open Space Program. Our mission is designed to preserve open space, support healthy communities, and to build and improve on recreational opportunities for the kids of our county,” he said.

Funded by a dedicated preservation tax, the Cape May County Open Space Program supports recreation, farmland preservation, historic preservation, and open space acquisition initiatives.

The program’s investment in the Clarence and Georgiana Davies Sports Complex continues the county’s mission to partner with local municipalities to deliver long-term community benefits, the release stated.