Bridgewater gets grant to rejuvenate storied Hobbstown basketball court

BRIDGEWATER – The rejuvenation of the basketball court at David and Philip Miller Park in the township's Hobbstown section has received a boost with a $63,000 state grant, the township has announced.

Former NBA star Eric Murdock, a graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan High School, and his foundation are leading the fundraising to improve the facilities at the park, which has been the centerpiece of the neighborhood off North Bridge Street.

“I learned how to play basketball on that court, so it holds a special place in my heart,” said Murdock. “Getting this initial investment of grant funds is exciting and will further motivate me and others to realize the neighborhood's vision for our park. I would like to thank the Department of Community Affairs for their support of the project and the township for their continued partnership with myself, my foundation and the community at large.”

At a minimum, the scope of work will include a complete rehabilitation of the basketball court.

“While we did not receive the full amount requested in our application, we are thankful that a significant portion of the project was funded,” said Mayor Matthew Moench. “So many great athletes have come from this area of Bridgewater and it is exciting to be on a path to restore the court to proper conditions for future generations of players to enjoy. It is also rewarding to partner with a community staple, and former NBA star, Eric Murdock on this effort. His passion for Bridgewater, his neighborhood and the sport are surely what will lead to the success of this project.”

Last year, the Township Council approved a dedicated trust fund for the Foundation monies. With the receipt of the money, the scope of work will be finalized and designs will be drafted.

More: Bridgewater-Raritan greats Eric Murdock, Lance Miller restoring storied Hobbstown park

In 2020, the township officially renamed Somerville Manor Park, commonly known as Hobbstown Park, on Monmouth Avenue to David and Philip Miller Park to honor the brothers who influenced generations of youths in the neighborhood, including their nephew Murdock.

Last year Murdock and Bridgewater-Raritan High School teammate Lance Miller, who played professionally overseas nine years, told the Township Council they wanted to improve the park where they had developed their basketball skills.

When they visited the park, they were dismayed at its appearance. Grass grew in cracks in the basketball court and weather-beaten rims hung from metal backboards.

“I hadn’t been down here in years,” Murdock previously told MyCentralJersey.com. “Last month I drove by and saw this and said, ‘Ah, man, we have to do something.'"

"I wouldn't have made it to the NBA if it wasn't for the park," Murdock told the Council, explaining that's where he and others learned "competitiveness, integrity, respect and how to be a team player."

The competitive state grant, administered by the Department of Community Affairs, will award up to $100,000 with the township matching 5% from its Open Space Fund.

David and Philip Miller grew up in Bridgewater and both attended local schools – David graduated Somerville High School while Philip graduated from Bridgewater-Raritan High School. David was a player for the Raiders, a New Jersey minor league baseball team which he later managed in conjunction with his brother Philip, who died in 1999.

The Miller brothers served as positive role models for generations of youth from Hobbstown, to include other storied athletes like Ernie Van Ness, Jonathan Williams and Randy Johnson.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Bridgewater NJ gets grant to rejuvenate storied basketball court