Hearing Set For Proposed Accessible Park In Stafford

STAFFORD, NJ — A public hearing is set for a proposed Memorandum of Agreement between the Pinelands Commission and Stafford Township regarding improving existing trails next to a lake to make them accessible to people with disabilities.

The proposed improvements at Forecastle Lake Park include grading and paving of the existing trail, paving four accessible parking spaces and an access path in an existing stone parking area and constructing a pedestrian footbridge.

As the entire project lies within wetlands buffer areas, a permit from the Pinelands Commission is required for it to move forward.

Township Administrator Matthew Von Der Hayden gave a presentation to the Pinelands Commission outlining the project last year, where he explained that it would be for passive recreation and could help alleviate litter issues while giving residents with special needs another location where they could enjoy the outdoors.

To offset the impact to the wetlands area, Stafford is proposing to restore about 35,000 square feet of forested area next to Canal Avenue, install bollards at the trailhead at each end of the improved trail to prohibit entry by off-road vehicles and install signage at each end of the trail advising that the trail is designed to be accessible to those using wheelchairs and that use of the trail by motorized vehicles, bicycles and horses is prohibited.

A public hearing on the proposal will be held remotely and broadcast live on the Commission's YouTube channel at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 14. The public may provide comment during the hearing by calling 1-929-205-6099 and using Meeting ID: 871 22007582. Click here for the link to the hearing.