Union County Gets $250K To Dredge Clark Reservoir

CLARK, NJ — Union County will be getting $250,000 in state funds to dredge the Clark Reservoir, which sits off Lake Avenue in the township.

"We are looking forward to making improvements at the reservoir that will enhance its use by the public, and we welcome the funding, which is perfectly timed," said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The county is currently studying recreational usage, environmental impacts and planning to dredge the 150-acre reservoir in a master plan.

"The Clark Reservoir is an important natural resource and part of a watershed that provides a recreational oasis and picturesque backdrop for many in Union County. I also thank the Governor for including my funding request for this project in his budget," said Senator Nicholas P. Scutari.

The Clark Reservoir was built in 1907 along the Robinson’s Branch of the Rahway River. It fell into disuse by the early 1990s. To prevent the property from being drained and sold, Clark took ownership of the reservoir. A conservation easement was established to protect the surrounding shoreline from development forever.

The county then acquired the reservoir in 2008 from Clark for $1. Together with the County's acquisition of the former St. Agnes property on Madison Hill Road in Clark and the former Schwarz Farm on Old Raritan Road straddling Clark and Westfield, the county assembled a continuous greenway that links the Clark Reservoir with other parks and public lands nearby.

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