Fire repairs delay reopening of Wayne Community Center
By: Philip DeVencentis
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
WAYNE - The township community center will be closed for at least another month and a half as electrical repairs continue.
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The recreation building at 1 Pike Drive closed on July 29, [2026] when a basement fire damaged a panel-board containing fuses and switches. officials initially said the faculty would reopen on September 1, [2026] but the restoration has become more complex.
..... That reopening date is "no longer achievable,," said Mayor Christopher Vergano, who addressed the community in a prerecorded video that was posted to the township website.
..... Vergino, while reading for a statement outside of the 145,904-square-foot facility, said the reopening is now planed for October 3. [2026]
..... "Our only goal has been to operate a safe facility," Vergano said. "We're certainly blessed that no one was injured when the building experienced a smoke condition. Thank you for your patience during this time."
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PSE&G is replacing a 50-year-old transformer with a unit that will provide higher voltage, Vergano said. The installation will happen this month [08/2026] he said. The damaged panel-board will also be replaced with one that can accommodate an upgraded electrical system, he said.
..... The Township council was expected to pass two resolutions at the August 19 [2026] meeting at the faculty: a $46,194 emergency pact with Manor II electric Incorporated of Newark, and a 413,500 emergency pact with LAN Associates of Midland Park. Meanwhile, officials canceled or relocated several programs due to the extended closing.
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The Parks & Recuperation Department summer camp was moved to weekdays to Captain Michael Kilroy Memorial Park on Concord Place. The relocation displaced members of a swimming lake, who are allowed to go to the municipal pool instead. A food pantry based at the facility also suspended collection.
..... Wayne purchased the 14.2-acre community center property from the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges for $11.7
million in December 2024.