22-Acre Park Created In Green Brook

GREEN BROOK, NJ — The former 11-acre Green Brook Swim Club property will now serve as open space. The property was acquired after Somerset County provided funding from its open space preservation program to Green Brook. The club's property, in combination with an adjacent undeveloped 11 acres owned by the township, will be transformed into a single recreational area to be owned, managed and developed by the township.

“A priority of the county’s open space program is to expand on existing park areas where appropriate, including municipal properties,” said Freeholder Mark Caliguire, liaison to the county Open Space Advisory Committee. “Creating a 22-acre park is not an easy accomplishment for a developed, suburban municipality such as Green Brook. The township now has significant area to develop recreational facilities such as trails across both parcels.

“The property also is within walking distance to Washington Avenue,” he noted. “This corridor is part of the county’s Priority Growth Investment Area. The township is working with the county Planning Board on a development plan for this corridor that would be enhanced by the inclusion of recreational facilities.”

The county contributed the $365,000 purchase price for the property; the township will be responsible for removing the existing buildings and pool this summer.

A committee is in the process of coming up with ideas for the new park facility, which will be considered by the Township Committee later this year. Suggestions may be submitted via email to rec@greenbrooktwp.org.

(Images provided)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.