Bramnick Joins Westfield Residents Concerned About New Park Paths

WESTFIELD, NJ — Does Brightwood Park need new or improved bike paths? Opinions vary widely, and they were all on display after Assemblyman Jon Bramnick Tweeted about his visit to the park on Saturday.

"Today I joined with Westfield residents concerned about development in Brightwood Park," he wrote Saturday. "An untouched sanctuary that has been a special environment for decades."

Not everyone agreed with the characterization.

"Biking has been permitted here since before the park was built. (Yes , built) Improve the trails and improve the park...win-win!!" wrote @giants_rant.

"Really? This park already is mixed use and is full of trash and invasive species. The volunteer, no cost to the town, bike path renovations will be great for Westfield" wrote @edla.

Earlier this year, the town approved a comprehensive plan to renovate all of the parks, including the 44-acre municipal park and nature preserve. Brightwood Park includes a manmade lake, dozens of species of flora and fauna, and nature trails. The Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association has volunteered to build a multi-use trail in the park.

Representatives of that group spoke to about 100 residents about their proposal at a meetup at the park earlier this month, prompting some to reach out to Bramnick.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

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