Botti Fields (formerly West Field)
Location: 4 Westfield Road (right off of West Main Street)
Description:
Botti Fields boasts three soccer fields and a newly constructed Botti Pavilion. There is a covered patio area to the back of the building, giving fans a chance to get out of the rain in an unexpected downpour. Inside this charming building, there is a small kitchenette space with a lavatory on either side. This is the perfect place to bring your kids to run around the multi-purpose fields or enjoy a game of soccer.
All three fields are public and can be reserved by clicking here.
History:
Finding the size of its membership making quantum leaps forward, the Mendham Soccer Club also found that adequate fields were rapidly decreasing. They spotted a relatively promising area off West Main Street and approached the DeNeufville family, who owned substantial acreage in that area. With Borough officials brought into the discussions, it was agreed that the family would donate enough land for a soccer field, and a right-of-way would be granted from Route 24 to the rest of the family-owned property. The DeNeufville family generously donated this land and built the initial two soccer fields.
One large field and a small practice area were designed, but some time later—additional fields still in demand—the town had a contractor working at the sewer plant, and part of the agreement called for the contractor to remove the extra fill by a specified date, a date that was not going to be met. Borough officials suggested a cure for the potential breach of contract: remove the fill at the contractor’s convenience, but move it to the new West Field. The additional fill built up the far end sufficiently so that an additional full-size field could be placed at the site.
Recently, West Field has been named Botti Fields in recognition of the generous donation to construct Botti Pavilion. It began as a request from Mendham Borough residents, John and Jacelyn Botti, who wished to make a gift to our town. Together, Administrator Rick Merkt and the Bottis toured the town to find a project that they felt would provide a long-lasting benefit and fill a need for Mendham Borough. Since the beginning of West Field being developed as a soccer hub, it lacked the essential restroom facilities. A port-o-john was placed there, but the timing wasn’t always right for the arrival and departure of the middle school soccer season.
The Bottis and their architect were very open to designing the look of the carriage house so that it fits in with our historic town style. We are extremely grateful to the Bottis for their foresight and generous donation to this town they love and call home, Mendham Borough. In the near future, a playground will be constructed at Botti Fields through a grant awarded by the state of New Jersey. This new addition will bring more life to Botti Fields and provide even more playing opportunities for the children.
Sources:
- The Centennial Book Committee. Reflections on a Community: Mendham Borough - the Centennial 1906–2006. Online PDF
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Botti Pavillion News & Announcements https://www.mendhamnj.org/cn/news/index.cfm?NID=50424&jump2=0
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Various Photographs from Daniel Malikov through his Eagle Scout Project