Morris Co. Trail Developers Seek Public’s Input

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — County officials are seeking input from the public regarding the development of a new Morris County nature trail.

The input request comes as the Morris County Park Commission seeks a $1.75 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Green Acres Program. The funds would go towards the second phase of a planned 7.7-mile trail on the 1,200-acre Boonton Reservoir.

The first phase of the project is exclusively within the Parsippany section of the property, offering roughly 2.5 miles of trail pathway. It will feature a natural surface on parts of the trail but will “mostly be a stone trailway, improving the existing roadway located south and east of the water body,” according to county officials.

The second phase of the project will entail the construction of boardwalk sections in wet areas, multiple pedestrian bridges, and several benches. Additionally, two parking areas are planned, which will provide eastern access to the trail along Greenbank Road and western access along Parsippany Boulevard.

“The project area features a mix of plant communities, including approximately 500 acres of forest, primarily deciduous, along with evergreen areas and wetlands,” a Parks Commission statement reads. “The reservoir is impounded by a 3,600-feet long, 105-feet high cyclopean masonry dam with earthen wings. It is designed to store a maximum of 7.6 billion gallons of water under its present conditions.”

As the project progresses, the Morris County Park Commission is looking to hear residents’ opinions. A survey has been created for developers to get a better understanding of the public’s position on the trail, how and if residents would use it, and other parameters.

The online survey can be seen here.

A printed survey can also be picked up at the Morris County Park Commission Headquarters located at the Cultural Center, 300 Mendham Road East, Morris Township. Completed printed surveys can be brought back to the headquarters or mailed to Morris County Park Commission, PO Box 1295, Morristown, NJ 07962-1295.

A public hearing on the grant application will be held at the Park Commission’s Feb. 23 meeting at 6 p.m. at the headquarters. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project and voice their opinions on the Green Acres Grant submission.

Click here to learn more about the Boonton Reservoir Trail Project.