Land Conservancy, Township Set Aside 48 Acres For New Park

With assistance from the Land Conservancy of New Jersey, Montville Township has preserved 48 acres of land at the corner of River Road and Miller Lane for construction of a new public park.

The land, owned by Robin Starkey, is one of the few undeveloped properties remaining in the township. The proposed parkland, which would be used for hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, and bird watching, is set to be names "Starkey Park."

"The Starkey property is a great open space acquisition that will provide tremendous recreational opportunities for our citizens for years to come," Mayor Jim Sandham said.  "Kudos to the Open Space Committee, Chair Maritza Byrne, Township Staff Adam Brewer, and former Mayors Doc Purnell and Deb Nielson. We all worked together to secure this great recreational property at minimal cost to taxpayers."

The project is being funded by grants received from the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund, New Jersey Green Acres, and the local Open Space Trust Fund.

The Starkey property is the 16th that the township has preserved, for a total of 567 acres since 1999.

According to the Land Conservancy, the parkland is ecologically important, as approximately 25% of it contains wetlands due to its intersecton with Crooked brook. In addition, the area contains sedimentary rock characteristic of the Jurassic period, which are types of rock can only be found a particular area of New Jersey and has been the subject of academic study by local universities throughout the region.

"We salute owner Robin Starkey for his vision in preserving this land and his generosity in making a bargain sale," Land Conservancy president David Epstein said.

-Nate Adams