Seven Trail Projects Funded: $1.3 Million in Grants to Enhance Local Trails

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners is poised to approve over $1.3 million in grants to support the design and completion of seven trail projects across various towns, following recommendations from the county's Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee. The grant funding, part of the county’s Trail Construction Grant Program, which has been running for nine years, will finance both new trail designs and the completion of ongoing projects in Morristown, Mendham Borough, Morris Plains, Randolph Township, Denville, East Hanover, and Montville.

At a public work session, Betty Cass-Schmidt, Chairwoman of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee, outlined the 2024 recommendations. The proposed projects aim to enhance recreational access in several municipalities by building and improving trails that connect parks, schools, and other community spaces.

A trail in Loantaka Brook Reservation

“The evolution of this program has been truly impressive. At the end of each cycle, the Trail Grant Advisory Committee conducts an assessment meeting to develop refinements to the application process. This is crucial because building a trail is more complex than it might seem. Proper engineering is key to ensuring its durability and preventing erosion from rain or other environmental factors,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board's liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation.

Design Project Recommendations:

• Burnham Park Trails (Morristown): A $107,445 grant will support the design of a 1.03-mile stretch of pavement and boardwalk, providing access to ponds, athletic fields, and recreational areas in Burnham Park, Washington Street, and Fosterfields Living Historical Farm.
• Borough Park and Arboretum Trail (Mendham Borough): A $28,000 grant will help design a 0.55-mile paved trail linking Main Street to local parks, ball fields, and recreational areas.
• Community Park Trail (Morris Plains): A $31,278 grant will facilitate the design of a 0.75-mile gravel trail, including lane striping, that will loop around recreational facilities and the community pool.
• Rosenfarb-Guerin Farms Trail (Randolph Township): A $93,148 grant will be used to design a 1.14-mile gravel and boardwalk trail connecting Dover Chester Road to Calais Road, Veterans Community Park, and nearby recreational spaces and community gardens.

Construction Project Recommendations:

• Knuth Fields Walking Trail (Denville): A $304,000 grant will fund the second phase of construction on a 0.6-mile paved trail, offering access to recreational areas and schools.
• Lurker Park Walking Path (East Hanover): A $212,000 grant will support the completion of phase two, adding 1.06 miles of mulch, gravel, and boardwalk bridges, connecting River Road to Patriot’s Path and other recreational sites.
• Waughaw Valley Trail (Montville): A $537,638 grant will be used to finalize the construction of a 1.31-mile gravel and bridge trail, enhancing biking and hiking access around Route 202 and Towaco Center.

Liffy Island Boardwalk & Trails in Jefferson Township, fully funded in 2017.

These projects are made possible through the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund, which was created in 1992 and modified in 2002 to include funding for historic preservation. In 2014, voters overwhelmingly supported a ballot measure allowing a portion of the fund to be allocated to recreational trail development.

Since its inception, the Trail Construction Grant Program has approved 54 grants, resulting in 28.5 miles of new recreational trails. If the 2024 recommendations are approved at the Commissioners' Oct. 23 meeting, Morris County’s total investment in public trails will surpass $6 million, establishing nearly 29 miles of new and enhanced trails since 2016.

These trails will continue to offer residents and visitors greater access to nature, promoting health, recreation, and community engagement across Morris County.

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