Hackensack River Walkway Plans Proceeding

Bergen County, City of Hackensack Announce Linkage Of Trails From

 River Edge to Little Ferry

 

By Hugh M. Carola

The long-awaited Hackensack Greenway Trail took a major step closer to completion this past autumn. Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney announced plans for the creation of a 2.5 mile, 10-foot wide section that will stretch from the Historic New Bridge Landing River Edge to Hackensack’s Johnson Park.  The walkway will eventually be extended to connect with existing walkways in Hackensack and Little Ferry.

“This project will transform the underutilized Hackensack riverfront into a recreational asset for the residents of Bergen County,” said McNerney. “At the same time, it will open up new economic, recreational, and social activity in the area.”

Construction for Phase One of the project is scheduled to begin this spring behind the Bergen Academies in Hackensack near Route 4 and culminate at Johnson Park, located along the river and adjacent to the Anderson Street Bridge. APS Contracting of Paterson, NJ has been selected to construct the 4,000 foot Phase One section. The Trail will include new landscaping, scenic overlooks and interpretive signage.

“Everyone recognizes that open space in Bergen County is at a premium,” said Captain Bill Sheehan. “But at the same time, we also recognize that some of the best available and most accessible open spaces can be found along the banks of the Hackensack River close to where many people live.”

Already in place is the Hackensack River Greenway Through Teaneck, a well-maintained walkway that connects several of that township’s riverfront parks on the river’s east bank. Ultimately, the completed county Trail will run along the west bank from the soon-to-be developed Van Buskirk Island Park in Oradell south to Losen Slote Park Little Ferry where it will connect with the NJ Meadowlands Commission’s Meadows Path. It’s expected that within a decade, an intricate network of trails and paths will run link open space parcels from the northern Palisades to the southern Meadowlands and everywhere in between.

“People in this area need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life,” said McNerney. “The tranquil allure of a leisurely stroll by the river will be good for our citizens’ body, mind, and spirit. I believe that this will become a defining characteristic of the region.”

We at Hackensack Riverkeeper agree with the County Executive and look forward to doing our part to expand and safeguard all the special places that define our watershed, our home.

For a comprehensive listing of current Hackensack River access points, visit our Website, scroll down the home page and click on: Public Access Along The Hackensack River. If you aren’t Net-savvy, just stop by our office or give us a call & we’ll provide you with a hard copy.