Rec Complex Plaque Pays Tribute to Don Links

A plaque in honor of Don Links is in place near the flag poles at the Madison Recreation Complex.

The Madison Athletic Foundation unveiled the plaque last Saturday to recognize the late councilman's "extraordinary efforts in the development of the Madison Recreation Complex."

The plaque was dedicated with borough officials, athletic program leaders, family members and a full crowd of community members in attendance, organizers said.

Links, who died in July of complications from Lou Gehrig’s Disease, championed the installation of fields at the complex while he served on Madison's governing body. He coached youth sports, was passionate about recreation, and met weekly with Madison's engineer while the fields were designed and built.

Madison Borough Council President Carmela Vitale kicked off the dedication with the reading of a proclamation from Mayor Robert Conley, who was unable to attend, and presented it to Links’s wife, Joanne, and children, Paul and Kimmie.

Master of ceremonies Nick Spagnoletti recognized people behind the installation of the plaque, including Plaque Committee Leader Chris “Dutch” Holland. Rounding out the ceremony were tributes by former Mayor Mary-Anna Holden and Madison Athletic Foundation Advisory Board Member Chris Conroy.

The Madison Recreation Complex was recognized by the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers, which awarded the project the Municipal Construction Project of the year for 2012.

The inscription on the plaque is below:

With appreciation and gratitude we recognize Donald R. Links, councilman, coach & friend.

The Madison Recreation Complex is a benchmark facility in northern New Jersey. It will contribute greatly to the health and well being of Madison's children for generations.

There are many people to thank for their efforts in the construction of this facility. If you need to thank just one person, then start with Don Links.

Some people dream… Some people do… Don did both.

Dedicated in 2013 by the eternally grateful children of Madison