Summit Group Gets Grant For 1.2-Mile Pedestrian Park On Rail Line

SUMMIT, NJ — The Summit Park Line Foundation recently received a large grant from Bristol Myers Squibb to support its Park Line project, a 1.2 mile-linear pedestrian park being created on the abandoned Rahway Valley Railroad line.

The Park Line, when completed, will extend from the edge of the downtown Summit at Overlook Medical Center, along a path through eastern Summit, and end at Briant Park on the Springfield border.

In early 2016, the city of Summit acquired the rights from the State of New Jersey to build the park accessible for pedestrian and bicyclists.

The donation from Bristol Myers Squibb is the Summit Park Line Foundation’s largest gift to date, and will enable Phase II of the project to begin.

“Bristol Myers Squibb is proud to support the Summit Park Line project,” said Chris Baggett, Director of Community Affairs at Bristol Myers Squibb. “Trails like the Park Line provide community residents a nice space to get outdoors for a walk, run, or bike. These projects are also a great way to repurpose a former rail line.”

The foundation and concept was created by Dr. Robert Rubino, former Summit councilman who realized the potential for a park similar to the Highline Park in Manhattan that could be initiated in Summit along the now defunct rail line.

“The Summit Park Line Foundation is extremely thankful for this outstanding expression of support for the Park Line concept from Summit’s largest corporate citizen,” said Rubino. “With this generous and significant donation, Bristol Myers Squibb is making a positive impact on the quality of life in Summit for the benefit of the entire community.”

Other supporters

The Park Line Foundation has also received support for its project through grants from Investors Bank Foundation, Overlook Foundation, the Reeves Foundation, Summit Public Art, The Junior League of Summit, The Summit Foundation, and numerous private donations from Summit residents.

"Through world-class design, excellence in operations, and responsible stewardship, the mission of the Park Line Foundation is to engage with the community, raise essential funds to help complete its construction, and create an endowment for future operations," said a release from the city.

For more information on the Park Line Foundation and the Summit Park Line project or to make a tax-deductible contribution, go to: https://www.summitparkline.org.

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