SOUTH RIVER, N.J. -- Ground was broken for the first new public athletic field in South River in more than a decade.  Township Mayor Robert P. Szegeti and Council President David Sliker joined municipal officials and dozens of area residents in a traditional groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the regulation-size soccer field which is being donated by The Matzel & Mumford Organization, a regional housing developer active in the community.

Representatives of the Hazlet-based homebuilder were present at the ceremony, as were children and adults who are avid soccer players.

"Town athletic fields are in such short supply here that children in our youth sports programs are often sent to facilities in neighboring communities," said Mr. Sliker. "So when Matzel & Mumford began negotiating with us to build a new housing community in South River, we brought the problem to them and they readily agreed to construct a field and parking area as part of the development agreement."

The town chose a soccer facility because the sport has enjoyed tremendous popularity in South River, with residents participating in all age groups -- from five- and six-year-olds to an over-40 league, Mr. Sliker pointed out. "While we still need several additional new fields," he said, "adding this one now is an excellent start to addressing this problem. It's a huge win for our town."

The field, which is expected to be completed soon and ready for play next summer, is being built on town-owned land at the edge of Heritage Woods, a Matzel & Mumford enclave of 26 single-family homes which opened sales last spring. The property is large enough to accommodate a 31-car parking lot.

"We are delighted to give something back to a town which has been supportive of our efforts to build quality housing in this community," noted Roger Mumford, President of Matzel & Mumford. "As a K. Hovnanian Company, our group is committed to community improvement programs. It's especially gratifying when our efforts benefit children."