Phase 2 Begins At East County Park​ In Warren

WARREN, NJ — The second phase of the 150-acre East County Park in Warren kicked off last week with a number of enhancements planned.

“We are pleased to announce that Phase II should be completed by early 2018,” said Somerset County Freeholder Patricia Walsh. “Phase II will provide an even greater opportunity to enjoy walking, biking and time spent outdoors with family and pets. The rolling hills and natural fauna and flora make for a beautiful outdoor experience."

Phase II includes a 6-foot wide porous pavement trail that will run about a half mile, which will connect the Phase I park trail with soccer fields on Dubois Road. The trail extension will provide access to an onsite pond and will include a pedestrian bridge.

The 2-acre leash-free dog area will include two three-quarter acre areas for dogs of varying sizes and a half-acre area for smaller dogs. Also planned are a 40-foot diameter pavilion directly off the existing parking area off Reinman Road and a 28-foot diameter shade structure off the stone dust path near the pond.

Phase I included the opening of a park trail in September 2014, which has provided passive recreational enjoyment for children, adults and dogs.

East County Park consists of four farm parcels that were acquired by the County between 1997 and 2001 and is bordered by Dubois, Reinman and Old Stirling roads.

Prior to the acquisitions, the parcels were privately owned farms containing open fields, hedgerows, wooded areas as well as residential and barn structures. The Somerset County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan identified a public need for a park in that area of the county.

The East County Park development is a joint venture of the Somerset County Board of Freeholders, Somerset County Park Commission and Warren Township. Warren Township Committeemen George Lazo and Mick Marion have served as project liaisons working closely with Freeholder Walsh and the Park Commission

“Thank you to our elected Somerset County Freeholders and County Park employees for investing the time and money to provide this spectacular passive park amenity in the center of Warren Township," Lazo said. "As a resident of Warren and an avid dog lover, I am fortunate to walk the park with my dog four to five times each week, and thoroughly enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.”

(Image via Somerset County: Pictured from left are Somerset County Park Commission Director Ray Brown, Township Committeeman George Lazo, Warren Township Recreation Commissioner Gina Rosenfarb, Somerset County Park Commissioner Kevin McCallen, Warren Township Mayor Carolann Garafola, Township Committeeman Gary DiNardo, Freeholder Patricia L. Walsh, Township Committeeman Mick Marion and Warren Township Deputy Mayor Victor Sordillo.)

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