State Funding To Upgrade Historic Wayne Mansion

WAYNE, NJ — A historic Wayne landmark will receive nearly half a million dollars in state funding as part of a larger $3.4 million investment in parks, preservation, and open space projects across Passaic County.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, through the Garden State Preservation Trust, awarded Passaic County and its park partners more than $3.4 million for improvements at four sites, including $475,000 for upgrades at the Dey Mansion, Washington's Headquarters Historic Site in Wayne.

County officials said the funding will support site improvements and new amenities designed to expand programming opportunities and outdoor recreation at the historic property, which served as General George Washington's headquarters during the Revolutionary War.

"These awards reflect something Passaic County has always believed: that our parks, our history, and our natural spaces are worth fighting for," Passaic County Commissioner Director Sandi Lazzara said in a statement.

"Every one of these projects will make a real difference. Whether it's a family visiting Dey Mansion for the first time, a child running through Goffle Brook Park or a community coming together at North Pulaski. This funding ensures those experiences are better for everyone."

The Wayne project was one of four county initiatives selected for funding.

The largest award, $1.875 million, will support renovations at North Pulaski Park in Passaic City, including a new outdoor recreation section at Dundee Island Park.

Another $814,250 will fund improvements to Goffle Brook Park, including a new playground and walking paths in the park's northern corridor.

The county also received $287,500 to restore Highlands Farm, helping preserve the site's agricultural and natural landscape.

County officials thanked the NJDEP, Green Acres Program, and Garden State Preservation Trust for supporting local investments in recreation, historic preservation, and public open space.

Dey Mansion, located on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne, is one of New Jersey's most significant Revolutionary War sites and regularly hosts educational programs, tours, and community events throughout the year.