A Walk in the Park with the Mayor

Instead of the rhythmic beat of Zumba or the meditative hum of Yoga music, it was the sound of nature that accompanied the most recent event in Mayor Spitzer's Wellness Campaign.

Following the dedication ceremony for the Sons of Liberty Park and the new Liberty Elm, Mayor Scott Spitzer led over 50 walkers on a health hike through the Sons of Liberty Park.

Staying to the the right, as they passed the information kiosk, the walkers trod a loop around the property. The first item of interest was the former home site of Irwin Richardt. The house structure has been removed, but a hand-operated water pump still remains. Irwin Richardt's father built the house, and though he was legally blind, raised his three sons there.

Farther along, the walkers encountered a monument to one of the sons, Robert E. Richardt, who was killed in World War II. One of the walkers, Don Gehan, has been compiling a documentary on Irwin Richardt, "Liberty Corner." Gehan volunteered some interesting information; apparently Irwin had two older brothers. Because the father was legally blind, the government gave him a choice - one of the brothers would have to go to war, the other could stay behind to care for his father. Irwin's father decided that the older one would stay, but the middle brother, Robert, would go to war.

Off to the right, about 100 yards, one could see the first of two ponds on the property. We would encounter the second further along. The property is laden with maple trees. Leslie Stevens, a local resident, recalled the days she would pay $8 a quart for Irwin's homemade maple syrup. "It was all done on the honor system," she offered. "You could drive up or walk up, place your $8 in a jar, and then return your empty jugs when you were done."

The town is considering adding a maple syrup demonstration to the park or at least providing some general information on how maple syrup is made.

Gary Correa, another walker on the heath hike, used to accompany Irwin Richardt as he tapped the trees for syrup. "It would take us about three hours to make the rounds and get all the sap out." The two also shared an interest in Ham radios.

It was clear that both Correa and Stevens had fond memories of what is now the Sons of Liberty park and are pleased and relieved to see that the property is being preserved by the township.

The loop around Sons of Liberty only took about 20 minutes, but visitors could spend much more time exploring other trails in the park as well. Moreover, right across Allen Rd. is the English Wood lot, another spot for interesting hiking (see Historic Woodlot Now Open for Public Access). After a quick water break the Mayor and the walking troupe was set to continue the hike through the English Wood lot with Carol English as the guide.

While this walker had prior commitments and had to end the visit there, there is no doubt that the English Woodlot offers much to explore. Whether walking alone or accompanied by friends and acquaintances, a walk through the woods offers benefits for the body and mind. You never know what you may you learn.