Slow but steady

The joint waterfront park under development for the townships of Guttenberg and North Bergen at 7608 River Rd. has begun Phase II. Both towns have agreed to collaborate to bring residents from both townships a new park that will provide a picturesque view of the New York skyline.
In April 2011 the towns each signed off on similar resolutions on what is now known as the Waterfront Park.
Once built, the area will have a playground, a shaded area, a waterfront walkway, restrooms, a parking lot and possibly an amphitheatre.
The state approved trail grants for North Bergen’s Waterfront Park in February. According to a press release, the Christie Administration has approved nearly $2.2 million in grants for projects that will develop and improve passive and motorized trails across the state, such as North Bergen’s upcoming Waterfront Park which received a $24,000 trail grant. The grants are administered by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program.
“The Christie Administration is committed to providing ample opportunities for the public to enjoy the great outdoors in New Jersey,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin. “These grants, made possible by the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program, will fund great recreational trail projects in a wide range of places, from our cities to our suburbs to our woodlands.”
The goal of the federal Recreational Trails Program is to improve open space, enhance environmental resources, create urban and suburban corridors, and provide additional hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle opportunities.
According to the release, the grant recipients were recommended for funding by the New Jersey Trails Council and approved by the Federal Highway Administration. The Trails Council is comprised of representatives from hiking, mountain biking, motorized trail use, canoeing/kayaking and horseback riding interest groups, as well as several general trail advocates and state government representatives.
To learn more about the state’s vision, goals and action plan for recreational and motorized trail development or to apply for a 2013 grant, visit www.trails.nj.gov.
Guttenberg’s architect, RSC Architects of Cliffside Park, has illustrated a final depiction of the park once completed. Here are some photos of the area.