Public Hearing
For A
New Jersey Green Acres Program
25% Matching Local Government Assistance Park Development Grant
For
Recreation Improvements at Lewis Morris County Park
Formerly the Old Orchard Area to be rededicated as the
Russ Myers Recreation Area
Park Description
Lewis Morris County Park offers many attractions as a general purpose park, comprised of 2,196 acres with 22.1 miles of trails. It is the second largest county park in the park system. This popular facility includes hiking, off-road biking, and equestrian trails, as well as picnic areas and shelters, athletic fields, a dog park, and group camping areas. In the winter, you can enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In the summer, enjoy the picturesque Sunrise Lake Beach Club for a fun day of swimming and splashing across a water obstacle course, the Wibit. Kids have a blast sliding down the inflatable Zoom Floom. Take a ride around the lake in a paddleboat, and bring a fishing pole, too. All of these attractions are among the many beautiful vistas of both open fields and wooded areas. Digital park/trail maps are available online.
Picnics and Athletic Fields: There are many picnic areas and shelters that include tables, benches, and grills located throughout the park for your enjoyment. Plan a fun picnic for family and friends. In the nearby athletic fields, toss a Frisbee, play catch, or organize a kickball game.
For groups larger than 25 people, take advantage of one of the six reservable picnic sites that include shelters, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. You can also reserve one of the athletic fields to organize a softball game.
To reserve one of the athletic fields or make a picnic reservation, please call 973.326.7631, option 1. For all major holidays, picnic reservations are highly recommended.
Average annual park visitation is 280,000 visitors.
HISTORY
Named in honor of Lewis Morris, the first Governor of the State of New Jersey, this park was the first to be opened in the Morris County Park Commission in March 1958 with 350 acres. The first parcel was acquired on December 31, 1956 from Mount Kimble Corp. The Cultural Center was originally constructed in 1928/1929 in the Spanish colonial revival style and opened as The Aurora Health Farm. In 1952, the property was acquired by ESSO Standard Oil of New Jersey and used as a remote control center and training facility for the NYC corporate offices.
The 8-acre Sunrise Lake and beach area was acquired on March 1, 1957. The Old Army Area was dedicated on September 20, 1958 and the Cultural Center, which serves as the Morris County Park Commission headquarters, was dedicated on January 29, 1969. The off-leash dog park, located in the Old Army area was opened in November 2003.
SPRING AND SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Lewis Morris County Park offers something for everyone! It’s time to enjoy the outdoor sunshine and take the family to bike, hike, or jog. A leisurely walk to relax and refresh may more be your style. Remember your favorite canine companion and spend a fun afternoon at the dog park, or stroll one of the many trails.
This popular facility includes hiking, off-road biking, and equestrian trails, as well as picnic areas and shelters, athletic fields, a dog park, and group camping areas. In the summer, enjoy the picturesque Sunrise Lake Beach Club for a fun day of swimming and splashing across a water obstacle course, the Wibit. Kids have a blast sliding down the inflatable Zoom Floom. A bath/boathouse provides the convenience of restrooms, changing rooms, an office, and a first-aid room. Take a ride around the lake in a paddleboat, and bring a fishing pole, too. All of these attractions are among the many beautiful vistas of both open fields and wooded areas. Digital park/trail maps are available online.
Project Description
The proposed project includes a green space (lawn) to accommodate open play(120’x180’), a half-mile ADA Accessible loop trail encircling the area that will have an 8’ wide paved surface, a picnic shelter with electricity to accommodate 200 people, landscaping for screening and beautification, and additional parking to accommodate increased capacity, including ADA parking, at an estimated cost of $904,730.00;
Grant request: $226,182.50
Match: $678,547.50
Project Costs Include:
- Design
- Earthwork
- Exterior Improvements
- Parking and trail
- Site Improvements
- Pavilion/Shelter
- Benches/tables
- Signage
- Utilities
- Electric
- Drainage
No trees other than non-native and dead/diseased trees will be removed as part of this project.
- Attachments