July 15, 2002

NEW PARK COMING TO UNION & ALLEN STS.

RAHWAY, NJ – Mayor James Kennedy and Freeholder Rick Proctor announced this week that work is progressing on the new waterfront park along the North Branch of the Rahway River, in the vicinity of Union and Allen Streets in the first ward.

The 4.4-acre park is being developed jointly by the County of Union and the city, with assistance provided by the New York/New Jersey Baykeeper and the Rahway River Association.  $319,000 in funding has already been received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Wetlands Mitigation Council, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, Fish America Foundation, and Merck.  In addition, the Rahway Department of Public Works; the Union County Division of Parks and Recreation and Division of Public Works; and local Boy and Girl Scouts, environmental and student groups have been providing in-kind services towards the completion of the park.  Omni Environmental Corporation of Princeton is providing engineering and construction work.

Environmentalists and bird watchers visiting the park have already spotted birds like Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles and Belted Kingfishers in the area.

The new park will feature restored wetlands, a wildflower garden, nature trail, parking and will be accessible to people with disabilities.  Several tons of soil were removed to create a flood retention basin to help lessen flooding in the area.  Over 50 different species of native trees and other plants are now being planted throughout the park.

Using state Green Acres and FEMA funds, the City purchased 11 flood-prone properties in the area in 1997 and has relocated residents living in the affected floodplain along the river.

“This project will repair decades of human neglect to a cherished resource like the Rahway River,” said Kennedy.  “It makes no economic sense to keep paying for properties along the Rahway River that are constantly damaged due to floods.  It makes even better environmental sense to restore wetlands along the river so it can flood naturally with minimal impact on lives and property.  It will be an important resource for all residents to enjoy as we witness the rebirth of the Rahway River in our community.”

“Some 70 years ago, the county had the foresight to preserve lands along the Rahway River to create the Rahway River Parkway that would be enjoyed by future generations,” said Proctor.  “This is the largest wetlands restoration project of its kind in Rahway and will help minimize flooding while promoting the health and recovery of the Rahway River.”

Proctor added that the county has already installed a light trap in the park to monitor the growth of mosquitoes.

Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

 Park Construction Photos

(Click the pictures to view a larger version.)