Celebrities Will Help N. Caldwell Mark New Era For Walker’s Pond

NORTH CALDWELL, NJ — A new era for Walker’s Pond in North Caldwell is set to begin, and there is no shortage of well-wishers ready to celebrate.

North Caldwell borough officials will host a star-studded groundbreaking ceremony at the pond on Saturday, Oct. 3 at noon. The public event will include appearances from comedian and actor Joe Piscopo, who will serve as emcee, as well as George Kresge, also known as “The Amazing Kreskin.”

According to borough officials, other attendees will include Nick Walker, grandson of the Walker family, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., Sen. Joseph Pennacchio, Assemblyman Jay Webber, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Essex County Chief of Staff Philip Alagia, Mayor Joe Alessi and members of the Borough Council.

All are welcome. Attendees must wear face masks, officials said. Learn more here.

• See related article: Caldwells Get $450K From County For Park Improvements

WALKER’S POND: A BRIEF HISTORY

Borough officials offered some background information about the special place the pond holds in local history:

“The property was owned by Carlee and Woody Walker, who opened their property every winter and allowed skaters from the area to enjoy skating on the pond; they even provided free hot chocolate to the revelers. Dances were also held at the site. The 17-plus-acre property was purchased in December of 2016 upon the death of Woody Walker and the termination of the Walker Family Trust. The borough is extremely grateful to the Walker family for selling the property to the town, for less than they would have gotten from developers, so that their family legacy could continue.”

Here’s what is in store for the pond, officials added:

“The borough has awarded a contract for the pond restoration and the contractor has begun mobilization efforts. This is the first step in the Walker’s Pond site restoration. The project will result in environmental, ecological and stormwater drainage benefits. The borough is concurrently planning future uses for the property including renovation of the house for recreational use. The actual site will include an ice-skating pond, which long-time residents were familiar with for many years. Future plans include a walking path, a pond stocked with fish, and passive recreation opportunities such as bird and nature watching, seating areas and photography. Councilman John Chiaia has formed a Walker’s Pond advisory committee made up of several residents to help plan future improvements. This will officially establish the Walker property as the centerpiece of the North Caldwell community.”

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