Partake in What the Parks and Pathways Have to Offer

With its many parks, Bernards Township residents have a lot to choose from for getting back to nature. On Saturday afternoon, the Department of Parks & Recreation and the Recreation Parks & Pathways Advisory Committee hosted an introductory tour to some of the township's more recent acquisitions. Residents were invited to stop by and learn about the various parks or take a bus tour.

Bundled up in the chilly air, department and committee members were on hand with large maps and tidbits of history. Each location was designated with white balloons and signage.

Sons of Liberty Farm
Mayor Scott Spitzer was at the Sons of Liberty Farm along with Victor Hatala and Jim Milito, advisory committee members. The Sons of Liberty Farm is located on the north side of Allen Rd. as one approaches Somerville Rd. from the east. A parking lot, delineated by split rail fencing, provides parking for both The Sons of Liberty Farm and The English Family Woods located directly across Allen Rd.

The Sons of Liberty Farm is the newest township park, purchased from the estate of Irwin Richardt with Open Space funding ($3.1 million) in 2008. "He was an interesting character," described Mayor Spitzer, "know as a libertarian. That's where we came up with the name 'Sons of Liberty.' He was self sustaining, relying as much as possible on his farm. He was known to barter his homemade maple syrup, made from the trees on the farm, for other services. He wouldn't own a car, not believing in car insurance, and could be seen all around town on his bike."

Sons of Liberty Farms consists of 23 acres of mature trees with three looped walking trails and a fishing pond. It is the planned location for the 'Liberty Elm' which will be planted on April 24th in a formal ceremony. The township is also hoping to construct a small kiosk which will provide a history of the site and trail distances.

Jim Milito, returning from a hike with his family and dog Buster, estimated that the outer loop was about a half mile. Meanwhile Danielle Yeranian, a local resident, was readying her bike for a ride. Other residents could seen taking their fishing poles from the back of their cars.

The English Family Woods
Directly across the street from Sons of Liberty is The English Family Woods. "This used to be called the Woodlot," offered the Mayor, "it was used by the English family to support their farm."

Bernards Township does not own this property, but it does own the development rights. This ensures that there will be no commercial or residential development on the property in perpetuity. Of even greater significance is that the township also, essentially, acquired "use" rights which is an easement on the property that allows for passive recreation; hiking, walking, jogging, cross country skiing and wild life viewing.

The English Family will continue to own the land and maintain it. The township would be responsible for any improvements. "It is a bit of a partnership," continued the Mayor.

Mountain Park Walking Trails
Deputy Mayor John Malay and Julie Keating, advisory committee member, were staffing Mountain Park. Established in 2006, Mountain Park is already well known to residents for its active recreation facilities including four baseball fields, four general purpose fields and two concession stands.

What residents may not be aware of, however is that the fields and infrastructure only account for 30-40% of the 150 acres. The rest is all natural. John Malay was mayor at the time of the acquisition and well versed on the park. "There are probably three miles of walking trails, paved and nonpaved. People were cross skiing here this winter. It's a great place to walk your dog. On a warm day, it's very busy here."

Mountain Park was formerly a pumpkin farm. Fortunately for the township, the owner was not able to secure the price he was looking for to sell it as residential development and the town purchased it for $10.7 million. The walking trails are located behind the baseball field concessions and stands.

Whitenack Woods
Heading up to the northern part of town, Whitenack Woods can be found off Mine Brook Rd. just after it passes over Route 287. Whitenack Woods was also purchased with Open Space funding, derailing another residential development. It consists of 185 acres.

There are two logging trails for hiking and mountain biking. At this time they do not loop, but according to Charlie Cunion, advisory committee member, that may be something the township does in the future. The claim to fame at this park was a sighting of the endangered red-shouldered hawk.

With the warmer temperatures, budding trees, and wildlife, grab your hiking shoes, mountain bike or fishing pole and get out and enjoy the many parks and open spaces that Bernards Township provides.