Morris County Commissioners Approve Over $1.3 Million for Trail Expansion Projects

MORRISTOWN, NJ - In a significant move to boost outdoor recreational facilities, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved grants totaling more than $1.3 million on October 23 for the enhancement and creation of several public trails. This initiative underscores the county’s dedication to improving access to nature and promoting healthier lifestyles among its residents.

The allocated funds are set to be distributed among seven municipalities, benefiting both the design phase for new trails and the completion of existing ones. The projects span across Morristown, Mendham Borough, Morris Plains, Randolph Township, Denville, East Hanover, and Montville, reflecting a county-wide effort to expand the green spaces accessible to the public.

“This program has grown beyond our expectations, providing invaluable recreational spaces and boosting the quality of life for our residents,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board’s liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “With careful planning and engineering, these trails will serve as long-lasting assets for our communities.”

Design Projects:

• Burnham Park Trails in Morristown will receive $107,445 to design a 1.03-mile trail that incorporates pavement and boardwalk sections, enhancing access to ponds, athletic fields, and other recreational areas within Burnham Park, Washington Street, and Fosterfields Living Historical Farm.
• Borough Park and Arboretum Trail in Mendham Borough is set for a $28,000 design project for a 0.55-mile paved trail that will connect Main Street with local parks and ball fields.
• Community Park Trail in Morris Plains will be developed with a grant of $31,278, focusing on a 0.75-mile gravel loop trail that integrates recreational facilities and the community pool, complete with lane striping.
• Rosenfarb-Guerin Farms Trail in Randolph receives $93,148 to design a 1.14-mile trail that will combine gravel and boardwalk paths, linking Dover Chester Road to Calais Road, Veterans Community Park, and Patriot’s Path.

Construction Projects:

• Knuth Fields Walking Trail, Phase Two in Denville, is set to complete with a $304,000 grant. This project will finalize a 0.6-mile paved trail that connects local schools and recreational areas.
• Lurker Park Walking Path, Phase Two in East Hanover, will use its $212,000 grant to finish a 1.06-mile trail that includes mulch, gravel, and boardwalk bridges, enhancing connections from River Road to Patriot’s Path and beyond.
• Waughaw Valley Trail in Montville is granted $537,638 to complete a 1.31-mile gravel trail designed for biking and hiking, featuring bridge crossings near Route 202 and Towaco Center.

“The variety and scale of these projects demonstrate how much we value creating accessible and well-maintained outdoor spaces,” said Shaw. “From short community paths to multi-use greenways, our trail network continues to grow and benefit residents of all ages.”

Since the inception of the Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program in 2016, funded by the voter-approved Preservation Trust Fund, the county has now authorized 54 grants. These projects collectively add nearly 29 miles of new trails, with the county’s total investment in public trail infrastructure exceeding $6.5 million, marking a significant contribution to the community’s environmental and recreational resources.

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