Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy Holds 10th Anniversary Dinner

The Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy (GCPC) celebrated its 10th anniversary on Sunday with a dinner at in Caldwell—and there was plenty to celebrate.

Over the last decade, the GCPC has worked with the county to obtain funding for major improvements and renovation projects in every corner of .

The list of accomplishments includes a new playground, renovated playground house, new tennis courts, renovated pond house, and improvements to the ball field, as well as new benches, light stanchions and trash receptacles. The latest project completed in July involved the .

Since its inception in 2001, the Conservancy has received $1.3 million in Green Acres grants, which have funded most of the projects together with the county’s match from the Open Space Trust Fund. Private donations have been generous, according to Conservancy President and Founder Caroline Mescia, and $30,000 has been awarded by other grantors.  

“Together with our grant awards and the county’s financial match and personnel we have been able to complete those projects and return the park to its original beauty and function,” Mescia told the guests at the dinner. She said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo’s support over the years was critical to getting things done.

The 10th anniversary dinner was held at Lucé Restaurant in Caldwell with 70 Conservancy members and supporters in attendance. A slideshow was presented during the dinner, displaying photographs of the park “then and now.”

Conservancy Vice President Claudia Kolster welcomed guests and honored President and Founder Caroline Mescia for her 10 years of leadership of the organization. Kolster presented Mescia with a framed photograph taken by Fran Liscio and a photo album filled with images of the park.

GCPC car magnets were given to each guest as a favor and there was a 50/50 drawing. The winner of the 50/50 was “Anonymous” and gave instructions to return the winnings to the Conservancy.

Mescia thanked Sharon Morrissey, Claudia Kolster and the committee for planning the anniversary celebration. She spoke of the history of the Conservancy, naming all of the past and present Trustees who guided the organization. Those present were: Suzy von Lengerke, Lisa Garrity, Dick Cummings, Jean Dowd, Tom O’Donnell, Loren Betros, Greg Michales, Kathleen Carrara, Warren Marchioni, Claudia Kolster, Ginny Stairiker, Susan Zayas, Paul Boeckel, and Barbara Pucciarello. Advisory Committee members present were: Wendy Callaghan, Patty Fost, Sharon Morrissey, and Suzy von Lengerke.  

Mescia concluded her remarks Sunday by saying, “The surrounding communities are dedicated to this park. It is obvious by the support the Conservancy receives and the numbers of people who utilize the park.”

The 40-plus acre park borders both Caldwell and Essex Fells. It is affectionately called the county's "Hidden Jewel."

To become involved with the GCPC or make a donation, contact the GCPC at gcpc@molink.com, 973-618-9154 or P.O. Box 203, Caldwell, NJ 07006.