Open Space & Recreation Plan

Open Space & Recreation Plan Borough of Pompton Lakes

Adopted: November 20, 2012

Prepared by:

This Plan also incorporates the Borough’s Natural Resources Inventory (NRI), Updated 2003

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

www.h2m.com 119 Cherry Hill Road, Suite 200 Parsippany, New Jersey 07302 P: (862) 209‐5900, F: (973) 334‐0507

575 Broad Hollow Road Melville, New York 11747 P: (631) 756‐8000, F: (631) 694‐4122

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

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Mayor Kathleen M. Cole, Mayor

Council Richard Steele, Council President Wiliam Baig, Councilman Lloyd Kent, Councilman Terri Reicher, Councilwoman Michael Serra, Councilman Michael Simone, Jr., Councilman

Administration Kevin Boyle, Borough Administrator Ed Merril, Environmental Officer Elizabeth Brandsness, Borough Clerk

Open Space Committee Planning Board Kathleen M. Cole, Mayor Andrew Silverstein, Chairman Lloyd Kent, Council Liaison Ed Merril, Environmental Officer Kathleen, M. Cole, Mayor Maria Kent, Environmental Committee Chairwoman Kevin Boyle, Borough Administrator Mary Michunovich, Mayor's Alternate Bob Schwartz Andrew Silverstein, Planning Board Chair Russ Accardi, Zoning Board Chair Brian Otto Karen Murphy, Recreation Director Abby Novak Toni DeFrancesco, Recreation President Carl Padula, Flood Advisory Board Chair Robert Guggiari Erik De Line, Member Richard Fracaro Abby Novak, Member Richard Steele Lauren Venin, Member Julie Doncoes, Member Erik De Line

With funding provided by a Smart Growth Planning Grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC)

The original of this Plan was Sign~ and sealed in accordance with NJ.5.A 45: 14A-12. D 9~~~L'- =- ~~GiQrg;;, P,P. #-33L100604300 Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 7

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 9

OVERVIEW ...... 9 WHAT IS OPEN SPACE? ...... 13 WHAT IS OPEN SPACE? ...... 13 GOALS & POLICIES ...... 17 VISION ...... 21 OVERVIEW ...... 22 CHAPTER 2. EXISTING OPEN SPACE & RECREATION INVENTORY ...... 22

SOUTHERN SECTOR (MAP 1) ...... 23 CENTRAL SECTOR (MAP 2) ...... 25 NORTH SECTOR (MAP 3)...... 29 SUMMARY ...... 32 CHAPTER 3. OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION NEEDS ANALYSIS ...... 37

OVERVIEW ...... 37 PARK & OPEN SPACE NEEDS ANALYSIS...... 38 RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS ...... 49 CHAPTER 4. NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY “NRI” ...... 58

OVERVIEW ...... 58 WATER RESOURCES ...... 58 LIVING RESOURCES ...... 67 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES ...... 71 CRITICAL RESOURCE PROTECTION ...... 73 CHAPTER 5. OPEN SPACE & RECREATION RECOMMENDATIONS...... 79

OVERVIEW ...... 79 POTENTIAL ACQUISITIONS ...... 80 LONG TERM OPPORTUNITIES ...... 82 CREATING CONNECTIONS ...... 86 CHAPTER 6. MAINTENANCE ...... 93

CHAPTER 7. ACTION PROGRAM ...... 95

DECISION‐MAKING CONSIDERATIONS ...... 95 PRESERVATION TOOLS ...... 96 ACTION PLAN ...... 97 APPENDIX A. OPEN SPACE & RECREATION INVENTORY BY MAP ID ...... 103

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Maps

OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN MAPS

MAP 1: SOUTHERN SECTOR ...... 34

MAP 2: CENTRAL SECTOR ...... 35

MAP 3: NORTHERN SECTOR ...... 36

MAP 4: PARKS & OPEN SPACE BY NRPA CATEGORY ...... 45

MAP 5: ¼‐MILE WALK TO MINI, NEIGHBORHOOD OR COMMUNITY PARKS ...... 46

MAP 6: RECREATION FACILITIES MAP ...... 51

MAP 7: POPULATION DENSITY & ¼‐MILE WALK TO ACTIVE PARKS ...... 57

MAP 8: TRAILS & GREENWAY NETWORK – EXISTING & PROPOSED ...... 91

MAP 9: TRAIL TYPE AND STATUS ...... 92

NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY (NRI) MAPS

NRI MAP 1: RIPARIAN & AQUATIC FEATURES ...... 64

NRI MAP 2: PROTECTED ANIMAL SPECIES ...... 65

NRI MAP 3: WELLS & WELLHEAD PROTECTION AREAS...... 66

NRI MAP 4: LAND COVER ...... 69

NRI MAP 5: ELEVATION & SLOPE ...... 70

NRI MAP 6: HISTORIC SITES ...... 72

NRI MAP 7: WATER RESOURCE VALUES ...... 77

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

ON POMPTON LAKES

The landscape of the Borough of Pompton Lakes has been the major determinant of its existence. The rich natural resource base allowed it to be a focal point in the history of the United States. The hills, rivers, flood plains, and unique habitats have been home to Native Americans long before European settlers came to the shores of New Jersey. Then, “back in the woods” iron furnaces forged the materials necessary for the Revolutionary War forces. Through here, too, runs a segment of Cannonball Road, which traces its way from Pompton Lakes, NJ, north through Suffern, NY, to West Point on the Hudson River, where the products of the iron furnaces held back the British.

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the lands and people of Pompton Lakes participated in the industrial revolution, but ultimately, many of these facilities became obsolete, and left behind remnants of their former existence.

Thus, today we look at the landscape as a new opportunity where three rivers meet to form one. The Ramapo, Wanaque, and Pequannock Rivers rush from their Highland sources to form the Pompton River. The divergent corridors along these watercourses provide a diversity of opportunities for additional lands to be dedicated to open space and recreation, both active and passive. Lands already preserved, and yet to be acquired, are a part of the water resource needs of this community and those around it. The forested lands of Pompton Lakes begin the formation of the vast network of greenways that become the streams, lakes, and aquifers on which the drinking water supplies of the community and others are dependent.

The support for parks and open space has already made its mark in Pompton Lakes, where a diversity of uses has been established. A unique feature of existing parks is that many are dedicated as memorials and form the basis of relationships between the past and the present. They create a linkage to community, pride, and fellowship by recognizing people and events significant to the residents of the borough.

This Open Space and Recreation Plan follows in the footsteps of the past, recognizing the wonderful natural resources to be preserved, and also the needs of the residents for diversified recreation for all, from youngsters to seniors. The Plan recommends a firm prohibition on the use of off road vehicles in the fragile ecosystems of the riverine areas and forested lands. The Plan’s vision builds on the ecological principles of multiuse of the land for water resources preservation and for passive recreational activities. Pride in community, stewardship of the land, and participation in sports --- these form the foundation of this Open Space and Recreation Plan.

~ Passaic River Coalition, Pompton Lakes 2003 Open Space and Recreation Plan

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Executive Summary

The 2012 Pompton Lakes Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP), prepared with the generous support of a grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), updates the Borough’s 2003 OSRP. This new Plan incorporates the organization and content of the 2003 Plan, provides updates where appropriate, and includes new information relevant to Pompton Lakes’ current needs and future open space and recreation agenda.

Since the 2003 Plan, the Borough has been very successful in realizing its open space acquisition objectives‐ particularly concerning properties in flood prone areas. While the Borough has future acquisition goals, maintaining these areas and facilitating access, have become equally important objectives. For example, the Borough’s open space mission has expanded to include‐ protecting trails and parks from invasive species; improving lake water condition to make areas swimmable; building trails, greenways and bikeways that connect the Borough’s open space areas; and properly maintaining these connections.

The 8 Goals and Policies developed from the 2003 planning process still remain true today. They focus on preserving open space, obtaining funding, creating greenway corridors, and protecting natural resources. A 9th goal has been added to this Plan that highlights the importance of open space maintenance.

The 2012 Plan now incorporates a Vision for the future. The Vision Statement describes the beneficial outcomes afforded to Pompton Lakes if the recommendations of the Open Space and Recreation Plan are actualized.

The Existing Inventory of Open Space and Recreation properties presented in Chapter 3 relies on the format of the 2003 Plan‐ in that properties are organized by Borough region: the “north,” “central” and “south” sectors. The numbering system has been retained, but the inventory has been updated and expanded to incorporate changes over the previous 9 years.

Much of the open space that has been acquired since 2003 is largely due to the buy‐out programs (NJDEP Blue Acres, FEMA, and ACOE) for flood‐prone areas.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Most recently, the Borough has been seeking buy‐out funds to acquire properties that were severely impacted by Hurricane Irene in 2011.

The Plan includes a needs analysis by type of park (i.e., pocket park, special use, etc.) and by type of recreation facility (i.e., basketball, baseball, swimming, etc.). In general, the Borough could benefit from additional pocket parks and playgrounds in walking distance to residential neighborhoods, and playing courts‐ such as tennis, basketball, and multi‐use.

As for future recommendations, this plan recommends several long‐term opportunities for the Borough to pursue:

 Developing a downtown waterfront park and riverwalk

 Revitalizing the DuPont tract (i.e., Planned Recreation Community, an Alternative Energy Valley, or Environmental Learning Center)

 Making Borough waters fishable and swimmable and marketing Pompton Lakes as a Water Recreation Destination

 Developing an interpretive lakeside walkway along portions of the shore of Pompton Lake

 Creating a network of riverwalk trails along the Pequannock, Ramapo and Wanaque Rivers

 Creating a Borough‐wide network of trails that links the riverwalks to other trails, including‐ the Follari tracts, Mathes Ave. Woodlands, Ramapo State Park, regional destinations such as the Morris Canal Greenway, and the Three Rivers Aquatic Trail for boating and water recreation; and creating multi‐use trails along the utility ROWs

 Developing a bike route that links popular destinations such as the downtown, Borough parks and schools The Pompton Lakes ERI‐ (Environmental The Plan also offers a new section on open space maintenance and a detailed Resources Inventory) action plan with recommended next steps. included in the 2003 Plan has also been included in the 2012 Plan. A The 2012 planning process was a collaborative effort between the Pompton Lakes comprehensive update Open Space and Environmental Committees and the Borough’s consultant, H2M. of the ERI was not part of this effort‐ although a Much of the detailed historical information was provided by the Borough’s future update is Environmental Officer, Ed Merrill, who offered unmatched knowledge of the recommended. environmental history and issues facing the Borough. A public information session was held in June 2011 to gather input from residents on the future priorities for open space and recreation in Pompton Lakes.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Chapter 1. Introduction

Overview

The Borough of Pompton Lakes is a 3.2 square mile municipality, nestled between the Pequannock and Ramapo Rivers. The municipality is primarily residential, with commercial districts along Paterson‐Hamburg Turnpike and downtown Wanaque Avenue, and industrial zones encompassing the DuPont Pompton Lakes properties in the northern sector. As of the 2010 Census, there were is… “Situated in a funnel-like valley in approximately 11,097 Pompton Lakes residents living in 3,773 households. which the Pequannock, Wanaque and Straddling the boundary between the Highlands and Piedmont Physiographic Ramapo Rivers Provinces, Pompton Lakes contains thin soils, rocky outcrops, steep slopes, and converge at the southern tip of the headwater streams characteristic of the Highlands, as well as wetlands, borough.” floodplains, lakes and meandering streams characteristic of the Piedmont. Situated in a funnel‐like valley in which the Pequannock, Wanaque and Ramapo Rivers converge at the southern tip of the borough, Pompton Lakes experiences flooding in low‐lying areas that are best utilized as recreation and conservation lands. Continued protection and proactive stewardship of these areas and the natural resource base is essential to ensure a healthy and safe community.

Historically speaking…

During the Revolutionary War, Pompton Lakes served as a strategic military supply route. George Washington and his troops marched through the area many times. The historic Cannonball Road appears to be part of an extensive network of secret roads used by the Continental Army to move troops and supplies stealthily between Paterson, NJ, and Suffern, NY. After the War, the Borough became a crossroads for goods and travelers.

The borough’s early residents were employed in farming, lumbering, milling, mining, iron forging, and charcoal making. Paterson‐Hamburg Turnpike, which enters the borough from the southeast near the Pompton Ironworks and exits to the west into Riverdale, is an original major thoroughfare along which taverns and inns served the needs of those traveling by stagecoach. In latter days, sections of the borough served as a summer get‐away for working‐class families with places for camping, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

And today…

Pompton Lakes contains undeveloped open space that is both privately and publicly owned. With a population density of about 3,460 people per square mile, these open spaces impart a feeling of wilderness to this closely inhabited area. Most of the open space within the borough is held in the floodplain of the southern section, and along the riparian corridor of the Wanaque River. In the northern section, one headland ridge leading into the Highlands is preserved as Ramapo State Park, while the other two headland ridges are currently held as undeveloped private property. Although a good portion of Pompton Lakes’ open space is protected, there remain environmentally fragile tracts of land that should be permanently preserved to maintain the high quality water resources in the region and uphold a high quality of life in the borough. Equally important is the need to meet the overwhelming demand for recreation facilities, such as baseball and soccer fields.

Master Plan Intent & Process

In terms of format and historical information, the 2012 edition of the Pompton Lakes OSRP owes an obvious debt to its earlier version, the 2003 Open Space and Recreation Plan prepared by the Passaic River Coalition. The current members of the Open Space and Environmental Committees are thankful that their predecessors were able to ensure such a comprehensive and inspired document, thereby establishing a high standard toward which we have now aspired with the 2012 Plan. This Plan therefore incorporates and updates all sections of the 2003 Plan, and includes new information relevant to Pompton Lakes’ current needs and future agenda.

Since the 2003 Plan, the Borough has been very successful in realizing its open space acquisition objectives, much of which has been made feasible through NJDEP’s Blue Acres program. Pompton Lakes still has several important acquisition goals‐ including those that will continue to protect areas repeatedly impacted by flood events. However, the focus has shifted from a full concentration on new acquisitions, to a need to also maintain and ensure access to and connectivity between existing open space areas. Current objectives for the Borough, for example, include protecting trails and parks from invasive species; improving lake water condition to make areas swimmable; building trails, greenways and bikeways that connect the Borough’s open space areas; and properly maintaining these connections.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

As part of the public process, the Open Space Committee and Environmental Committee members regularly discussed the project at their monthly meetings, held on the second Thursday of each month. On June 9, 2011, the Committees hosted a well‐attended “Public Information Session” at Borough Hall to discuss current issues and future opportunities related to open space, conservation and recreation in Pompton Lakes. A copy of the front and back of the meeting agenda is provided below.

Public Information Session

Agenda

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

At the Public Information Session, residents and committee members discussed what positive and negative changes with regard to the Borough’s parks and open space have occurred since 2003. Meeting outcomes included the need to: reconfigure the proposed bike route; consider a pedestrian bridge over the Pequannock River; document the Borough’s two bird sanctuaries; and continue the effort to acquire utility right‐of‐ways for trail use.

Residents also expressed desire to take advantage of unrealized recreation resources in the Borough‐ such the ability to swim in Borough lakes and safely walk the Borough’s trails. The ability to swim in Pompton Lake would be a great amenity for residents and attraction for visitors. Another topic of concern was the continued maintenance of the Borough’s walking paths and trails. Involving community groups and clubs (i.e., boy scouts) was recommended. Residents also discussed the Skate Park at Hershfield Park and wondered if usage had been declining. It was determined that more evaluation with regard to the skate park was needed.

Post‐meeting wrap‐up sent to committee members

Large maps were used to facilitate the discussion

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

What is Open Space?

Simply speaking, open space is undeveloped land. There are many types of open space and people often perceive open space differently. Open space can be on land or water, beautiful or barren, active or passive, large or small, or public or private. Therefore, the answer is much more nuanced. Open space can include any of the following varied resources, for example:

Yards Ponds Gardens Playgrounds Meadows Rivers Vacant lots Walking trail Fields Historic sites Athletic Fields Bicycling trail Forests Cultural sites Scenic Greenbelts Lakes Orchards Corridors Easements

As defined by the Municipal Land Use Law (NJAC 40:55D‐5) open space is:

Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space; provided that such areas may be improved with only those buildings, structures, streets and off‐street parking and other improvements that are designed to be incidental to the natural openness of the land.

To meet the definition, however, all types of open space must share one ingredient: the land must be safe from development (i.e., “set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved.”)

What are the benefits of Open Space?

There are countless and far reaching benefits of open space. Open space impacts our physical and mental health and the health of all species on our planet. Here are some of the wide‐ranging beneficial impacts of open space:

 Quality of life – Parks, trails, and other types of open space contribute to higher quality of life which attracts new and retains existing residents and businesses. As people spend more time outdoors, they make connections with and engage more with their neighbors, contributing to a more connected community.

 Economic benefits – Open space prevents economic loss from flooding, erosion, pollution, or other costly environmental degradation. Open space attracts new business and owners of properties that contain or overlook

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

open space can often command premium rents. Attractive areas are more desirable and entice high quality development, which in turn brings more jobs. Studies also show that proximity to open space can enhance property values because of views and easy access to recreational opportunities and community assets. Tourism and recreation‐related revenues from parks, open space, and trails also have economic impacts.

 Ecological benefits – Communities and economies would suffer tremendously without ecological life support systems such as clean air, fresh water, fertile soil, and an amenable climate. Natural lands are essential to providing these vital ecosystem services, including climate regulation, water supply, erosion control, nutrient recycling, waste treatment, food production, and others. More open space also means less pollutants (oils, heavy metals, gases, fertilizers, litter, pesticides, etc.) traveling into streams and waterways from stormwater runoff. Open space elements (natural grasses, wetlands, plants, shrubs, trees) can also serve as filters, removing pollutants before they end up in waterbodies. Open space is also home to most animal and plant populations. Protecting open space ensures habitat preservation for plants and animals. In other words, life depends on it.

 Transportation connections –Trails connect communities to one another and even facilitate alternative commuting modes. Trail networks, as part of the local transportation system, can offer effective transportation alternatives by connecting homes, workplaces, shopping, parks, and attractions. Residents can travel without paying increasingly high gas prices, emitting pollutants, or spending time sitting in traffic.

 Cultural awareness and community identify ‐‐ Open space can define communities, contribute to local identity and create a sense of place. They can also preserve historic places and provide access to local heritage, drawing the public to historic features such as battlegrounds, bridges, forges, canals, etc. Having awareness of the historical and cultural context when visiting parks and trails will further enhance the overall trail‐ and park‐ user experience.

 Public health – With the rising trend in obesity rates and high incidence of everyday stress, access to places for children and adults alike to relax, play, recreate and exercise has never been more important. A network of parks, open space and trails contribute to the overall health of residents by offering people safe, attractive, accessible places to walk, bike, hike, jog, skate, etc., and better opportunities for active lifestyles. The Rails‐to‐Trails Conservancy puts it simply: “Individuals must choose to exercise, but communities can make that choice easier.” Access to nature also benefits mental health‐ by providing a place to relax, think, and get away from daily stress.

 Education – Parks, greenways, natural areas and trails can be a “hands‐on” environmental classroom for people of all ages to experience natural landscapes. People can only gain an appreciation of nature’s resources by having actual experience in nature. Educational signage along trails and greenways can also be an educational tool to inform visitors about water

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

quality issues particular to a watershed, how to improve water quality, or other message of awareness.

What Types of Open Space Exist?

Open space generally falls into different categories depending on the land use or purpose. Open space areas can be for active recreation, passive recreation or natural resource protection, for example.

Active Recreation • Performances Natural Resources • Soccer Fields • Golf Courses • Lakes, Rivers • Football Fields • Driving Ranges • Forestlands • Baseball Fields • Wetlands • Running Tracks Passive Recreation • Habitats • Swimming • Bird‐watching • Floodplains • Beaches • Walking trail • Steep Slopes • Boating • Hiking trails • Groundwater • Tennis Courts • Boardwalks Recharge Areas  Basketball Courts • Picnic Areas • Exercise Trails • Fishing • Skate Parks, rinks • Nature preserves

Below are generalized definitions of the major categories of open space. While they should not be considered precise definitions, they can offer a way to differentiate how open space is used.

Active Recreation‐ Activities often requiring equipment and take place at prescribed places, sites, or fields (i.e., swimming, tennis/court games, baseball, track and field, etc.). They may be formally organized or performed with others.

Passive Recreation‐ Activities which require little to no formal organization or infrastructure and may be relatively inactive or less energetic, (walking, sitting, picnicking, board/table games, Frisbee golf, croquet, or other lawn games). This may be a field or open public space concurrently used for another use/purpose (i.e., drainage, detention/retention), or areas for nature walks and observation.

Conservation‐ Environmentally sensitive areas with characteristics such as steep slopes, wetlands, floodplains, high water tables, forest areas, endangered species, or areas of significant biological productivity or uniqueness that have been designated for protection from any activity that would significantly alter their ecological integrity, balance, or character (American Planning Association).

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Utility‐ Areas including public or privately held land, rights‐of‐way or easements, that is used for: the generation, transmission, and/or distribution of water, gas, steam, communications, or water; the collection and treatment of sewage and solid waste; or the provision of transportation. Utility areas often require large swaths of open land that are typically inaccessible to the public, but which can contribute to the natural environment.

Why Prepare an Open Space & Recreation Plan (OSRP)?

Every community has open space opportunities and needs that are unique to that community. Since open space often does not often reflect political boundaries, the various levels of government (local, county, regional agencies, federal) can and should plan together to protect a region’s open space. Open space planning requires a comprehensive approach that looks at opportunities and constraints in the area, is informed by public input, and results in innovative and unique solutions to meet the needs of the community. The issues and concerns that arose from interviews and public input during the 2003 and 2012 planning processes are integrated throughout the various sections of this OSRP.

Several important reasons for preparing a comprehensive Open Space & Recreation Plan include:

 A municipality can proactively identify its own needs for open space and facility development and plan for acquisition, rather than reacting to development proposals from within the private sector.

 A municipality can better negotiate with developers if Borough objectives are clear about particular open space uses for certain privately‐held areas.

 Open Space plans that satisfy Green Acres Program requirements meet one of the prerequisites for matching funds and acquisition grants.

 Public input from the planning process help to build support for capital plans, open space acquisitions and recreation facilities improvements.

 The plan is a public document that can be shared with community leaders and citizens to have a greater understanding of community assets and needs.

 Open Space planning is integral to smart growth development.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Goals & Policies

Goals

1. Preserve open space to protect critical environmental resources, such as wetlands, floodplains, ridge lines, steep slopes, and stream and river corridors.

2. Serve as a facilitator and source of funding in the coordination of land purchases among all levels of government (Federal, State, County, Municipal) and nonprofits.

3. Obtain sustaining sources of funding for the enhancement of existing recreational facilities and creation of new recreational facilities.

4. Create open space greenway corridors along the Pequannock, Ramapo, and Wanaque rivers.

5. Promote the concept of Pompton Lakes as the “gateway” to the Highlands, beginning with Ramapo Mountain State Park and Wanaque Valley ridgelines.

6. Assist in the preservation of and public access to cultural, historical and archaeological sites.

7. Promote trails, greenways and pathways for pedestrian and bicycle recreation, exercise, nature exploration, connectivity, and alternative means of transportation.

8. Protect and preserve water resources and watershed lands for purposes of drinking water supply, flood control and recreation. In this transitional 9. Maintain and enhance existing open space, recreation, and trailways zone between so that they will be available and in adequate condition for current Highlands and Piedmont regions, and future users. there are steep slopes, thin soils, trout production and maintenance 1. Preserve open space to protect critical environmental resources, such streams, floodplains, wetlands, and as wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, and stream and river corridors. forested vacant tracts The Borough of Pompton Lakes will utilize the Open Space Trust Fund to of land graced with healthy ecosystems acquire open space to protect critical environmental resources in order and scenic views. to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the citizens of Pompton Lakes. In this transitional zone between Highlands and Piedmont regions, there are steep slopes, thin soils, trout production and maintenance streams, floodplains, wetlands, and forested vacant tracts of land graced with healthy ecosystems and scenic views. Pompton Lakes contains

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

numerous lakes and streams, which provide recreation opportunities and define the character and lifestyle of this community. Protecting these lands and water bodies is of paramount importance in ensuring the long‐term environmental and economic viability of Pompton Lakes.

2. Serve as a facilitator and source of funding in the coordination of land purchases among all levels of government and nonprofits. The Borough of Pompton Lakes will provide leadership and work cooperatively with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Green Acres and Blue Acres Programs, Passaic County, and charitable nonprofit agencies to acquire open space in Pompton Lakes for conservation and recreation.

3. Provide funding for the enhancement of existing recreational facilities and the creation of new recreational facilities. The Open Space Trust Fund will be utilized to provide funds for land acquisition and capital improvements to the parks of Pompton Lakes, to upgrade and rehabilitate recreational facilities, and to restore environmental systems. Within the developed parks, funds will be utilized to meet the public’s recreational needs and demands and to ensure that existing facilities are properly maintained. Funds can be utilized to purchase land for new recreational facilities and to develop facilities as required by the municipalities’ needs.

4. Create open space greenway corridors along the Pompton, Pequannock, Ramapo, and Wanaque Rivers. The Pompton, Pequannock, Ramapo, and Wanaque rivers are dynamic natural resources that provided sources of power and energy facilitating the industrial development of the region and establishment of the Borough of Pompton Lakes. These rivers contain some of the state’s cleanest Greenway corridors would be linked to waters, making them valuable for aesthetic reasons, and for trout pedestrian and bike production and maintenance purposes. To increase access and paths within the municipality, as well recreational use, greenway corridors could be established such as: a as to the greenways, Wanaque River greenway, as a continuation of the greenway in Wanaque walkways and bike paths of neighboring Borough to the north; and along the Pequannock and Ramapo rivers, to communities, to where they converge into the Pompton River, along the southern edge provide greater of the Borough. These greenway corridors would be linked to pedestrian mobility and access to outdoors recreation and bike paths within the municipality, as well as to the greenways, regionally walkways and bike paths of neighboring communities, to provide greater mobility and access to outdoor recreation regionally.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

5. Promote the concept of Pompton Lakes as the “gateway” to Highlands Greenways, beginning near Ramapo Mountain State Forest. Preservation of open space along the Highlands ridges known as the Wyanokie Highlands and Ramapo Mountains is a priority for the state of New Jersey, County of Passaic, and environmental nonprofit groups. The Wyanokie Highlands contain large tracts of watershed lands and permanently preserved open space, with rivers that flow from New York’s Sterling Forest to the City of Newark’s Pequannock, and North Jersey District Water Supply’s Wanaque, watershed lands. The preservation of these lands is essential to protecting the water quality of the surface water supply system that provides drinking water to over two million people in New Jersey. The forests and reservations of the Ramapo Mountains contain ponds, streams and marshes that provide the perfect habitat for birds and other wildlife species. The Ramapo ridges extend through Passaic County northward into Bergen County. Bearing in mind that ridgelines originating in or near Pompton Lakes serve as the gateway to the Wyanokie and Ramapo Greenways, direct acquisition and conservation easements on these ridgelines will expand the viability of this corridor.

6. Assist in the preservation of cultural, historical and archaeological sites. The Borough of Pompton Lakes will utilize the Open Space Trust Fund to assist in the preservation of cultural, historical and archaeological sites in Pompton Lakes. Within Pompton Lakes are a number of resources that have played a significant role in the development of the United States, State of New Jersey, Passaic County, and the Borough of Pompton Lakes. The area was a frequent stopping point for native peoples as they traveled between the Delaware and Passaic Rivers. In our country’s early history, Pompton Lakes was a center of the iron mining industry, containing several mines, and a forge and mill site on the Ramapo River. With the realization of the Morris Canal Greenway and other trail connections, the Borough can promote access to these sites. Such projects offer educational opportunities, such as a “historic walking trail” with descriptive signage for self‐guided tours.

7. Promote greenways and pathways for pedestrian and bicycle recreation. The Open Space Trust Fund supports the use of funding for acquisition to implement greenway and pedestrian/bike pathway plans (see recommendations in the 1974 report, The Ramapo Pompton Conservators Bike Trail Report) to protect open space and provide new recreation. The identification and planning for the protection and preservation of regional landscapes that provide significant natural

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

resource protection and recreation values are a high priority of the master plan. Pompton Lakes will provide leadership and encourage the creation of new connections and linkages between existing open space and the development of collaborative public and private partnerships to implement such plans. These include on‐street bike lanes, sidewalks along streets, greenways, off‐road paths, riverwalks, etc.

8. Protect and preserve water resources and watershed lands for purposes of drinking water supply, flood control and recreation. The protection of water resources in Pompton Lakes is essential for maintaining public health and safety. The preservation of the landscape is essential to maintaining adequate surface water and ground water supplies for safe drinking water. The preservation of floodplains and wetlands for flood management, and the acquisition and protection of crucial Tier 1 Well Head Protection Area lands around the Pompton Lakes Municipal Utilities Authority community water supply well heads, is strongly recommended.

9. Maintain and enhance the condition of existing open space, recreation, and trailways for current and future users. As proposed acquisitions are realized, much of Pompton Lakes’ future efforts will be in maintaining the condition of existing facilities. The Borough will need to stay in front of threats such as invasive plant and insect species. As new trails and paths are created, trail maintenance will be an important issue.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Vision

It is the year 2030, and the plans delineated in 2012 are now fully implemented.

There is significantly more Open Space Recreation acreage than existed in 2012, bolstered by the properties acquired in the flood areas of the Borough.

Residents enjoy an extensive network of scenic trails throughout the community, including pathways through Aquatic Park and Willow Field which interconnect to the completed Morris Canal Greenway. Other trails wind through wooded areas and along the pipeline.

Youth, adults and seniors all have a park within walking distance from their home.

Maximum use has been made of both Pompton and Twin Lakes for water sports and leisure activities.

Ample recreation fields and facilities exist for all our youth sporting activities.

The downtown business district is integrated with a waterfront park along the Wanaque River, linking the shopping district with the outdoors.

The DuPont property is fully remediated and has been developed with an optimum blend of commercial, recreation and open space/preservation uses.

Pompton Lakes is proud to serve as the “gateway” to the Highlands.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Chapter 2. Existing Open Space & Recreation Inventory

Overview

The Borough has an extensive network of parks and open space that allow active and passive recreation, as well as lands protected for a variety of environmental The vast array of open purposes. The following presents a property‐by‐property inventory of all lands space throughout Pompton Lakes takes within the Borough that provide open space and/or recreation opportunities, on many forms, and categorized according to their function (Conservation, Active or Passive includes a host of parks, playgrounds, forest, Recreation, Utility, Other). The listings are organized by their location in lakes, riverfront Pompton Lakes (South, Central, and North) and shown on corresponding maps corridors, trails, conservation areas, located at the end of this inventory: easements, vacant land, utility areas, and passive and active recreation • Map 1: Southern Sector areas. • Map 2: Central Sector • Map 3: Northern Sector

As discussed previously, much of the Borough’s existing open space lies along greenway corridors following the courses of the three rivers (Pequannock, Wanaque and Ramapo Rivers) that flow through the Borough. This can be attributed to the natural functions of rivers, which is, to overflow their banks and flood the adjacent low‐lying areas on a regular basis. Flood prone areas are best utilized for open space and recreation, as high water does not impact practice fields and conservation areas the same way it does buildings and structures.

Since 2003… Therefore, much of the open space that has been acquired for permanent protection since the 2003 OSRP has been in these flood prone areas‐ made possible through NJDEP Blue Acres, FEMA, and ACOE Buy‐Out programs. Blue Acres buy‐outs, for example, target flood prone structures and the preservation of the floodplain. Eligible properties are those that have been damaged by, or may be prone to incurring damage caused by, storms or storm‐related flooding, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage. Acquired properties are permanently deed restricted as public open space in accordance Severe flooding in Pompton Lakes with the Green Acres statutes. The highest priority properties are those on after Hurricane Irene in 2011

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FEMA’s lists of “Repetitive Loss” and “Severe Repetitive Loss” sites, which are The listing of sites in this adjacent to existing recreation and conservation land. Most recently, Pompton Inventory corresponds to a GIS Lakes sustained massive flooding as a result of Hurricane Irene in 2011. database. Each property (or portion of a property) on the Removing as many structures as possible from the flood waters is the only way inventory is assigned a Map ID to get people out of dangerous flooding conditions and ensure against repetitive Number. Where possible, the loss of property. Map ID numbers match those assigned from the 2003 OSRP Plan. The full listing of inventoried properties is provided Southern Sector (Map 1) as a table in Appendix A.

Conservation Areas

Sherman Tract. Borough‐owned (Green Acres purchase in 2003). Within the Pequannock River floodplain, functions as a riparian greenway, and provides opportunities for biking, walking and bird watching. (1) Map ID Number

Feinbloom Tract. Borough‐owned (Green Acres purchase in 2003) (5).

Follari Tracts. NJDEP‐owned. The tracts are wooded areas within the Pequannock River floodplain, functioning as a riparian greenway and harboring a diversity of bird and wildlife species, including a small bird sanctuary. There are a Follari Tract few dirt pathways which allow access for biking, walking and bird‐watching. A Ramapo/Pequannock river walk is being proposed, featuring the natural scenery and ecology of the riparian forest. (6, 19)

Pequannock River Parcels. Borough‐ and Passaic County‐owned. Some of these parcels are being discussed for trail improvements through a NJ Trails Grant. Number 9 on the map is owned by Passaic County with potential for reestablishment of former automobile bridge for pedestrians to connect to Pequannock Township’s planned River Walk and Morris County’s planned Pequannock River, from Cedar Ave. NYS&W Bicycle and Pedestrian Path. (7‐15, 17, 18, 22)

Ventimiglia West. Borough‐owned. Characteristics and usage plans similar to Follari tracts. One feature unique from adjacent tracts is the spring‐fed wetland area. (25)

Ramapo River Blue Acres. A combination of Borough and State/NJDEP‐owned. These lots would form the pathway of the proposed Ramapo/Pequannock river walks, the Morris Canal Greenway, and the extension of the proposed Ventimiglia Ventimiglia West East soccer field. Additional parcels are to be acquired by Blue Acres, making this strip between the Ramapo River and Riveredge Drive a long, continuous block of open space. (30, 31, 33, 34, 39, 41, 47, 49, 94)

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Woods Road Tracts. Borough‐owned. (32)

Aquatic Park Extensions. Borough‐owned. Extension of conservation area near county‐owned Aquatic Park. (43, 44)

Pequannock River Strip. Borough‐owned. Would be the Pequannock River terminus of the proposed Ramapo/Pequannock river walk. (80)

Pequannock River Blue Acres. State‐owned. These parcels lie along the Pequannock River Strip, and would provide access to the proposed river walk. (82, 83)

Wanaque Frontage. Borough‐owned. This strip of land lies across the Wanaque River from Carlough Field. It serves to preserve the riparian corridor along the river. (106) Wanaque River, from Carlough Field

Active Recreation Areas

Riverside Drive Lots. Borough‐owned. These are used for access to Feinbloom Field, and as a parking lot for Joe Grill and Feinbloom baseball diamonds. (2)

Willow Avenue Sports Complex. Borough‐owned. These contain baseball/softball fields, a new soccer field and a field house. The complex is leased to the Pompton Lakes Little League Association, and contains Joe Grill, Joe Black, and George Laraia Fields. Map number 88 was obtained by Green Willow Ave. Sports Complex Acres funds, and in 2010, a portion of the Feinbloom Tract (map number 116) was added to the Sports Complex and converted to active use for soccer and baseball fields. The irregular boundary was delineated by circuiting existing wetlands and buffer areas. This is also one of the trail heads to the Three Rivers Aquatic Trail. (3, 4, 81, 88,116)

Ventimiglia West Field. Borough‐owned. Proposed for practice fields and potentially suitable for soccer fields. A dog run has also been proposed. (97) Ventimiglia West Field

Ventimiglia East. Borough‐owned. Soccer fields have been proposed for this tract, and the Ventimiglia West Field mentioned above. (28)

Stiles Park. Borough‐owned. This popular park has children's playground equipment in addition to a basketball court and park benches. This is also one of the trail heads to the Three Rivers Aquatic Trail. (42) Stiles Park

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Passive Recreation Areas

Aquatic Park. Passaic County‐owned. This is a 14.5‐acre section of Pompton Park, which is situated across the Pompton Lakes, Pequannock and Wayne borders. This section of the park offers residents the opportunity for bird watching, hiking, boating and fishing. (24)

Aquatic Park Islands. Passaic County‐owned. These are wooded islands in the Pequannock River. (104) Aquatic Park

Ramapo River Blue Acres. State‐owned. A proposed use of this parcel would be for a Memorial Park where riparian trees could be planted in memory of departed loved ones. It would also serve to connect the Mathes Avenue Woodlands with the Ramapo/Pequannock river walk. (51)

Craig Place Corner. Borough‐owned. A playground has been proposed for this vacant property. (107)

Utilities

MUA Water Supply Well. Pompton Lakes MUA‐owned. On Riverdale Boulevard, a public community water supply well is located here. (23)

WGHT Tower. Privately‐owned. Recreational activity here is prohibited, as the delicate ground wires that radiate away from the tower are easily damaged when stepped on. The land is maintained as open marshland by the radio station. (26)

Wastewater Treatment Plant. Pompton Lakes MUA‐owned. The municipal sewage treatment plant is adjacent to the WGHT property. (27)

Pump House. Pompton Lakes MUA‐owned. South pumping station. (119)

Central Sector (Map 2)

Conservation Areas

Mathes Avenue Woodlands. Borough‐owned. The Woodlands is within the Ramapo River floodplain and contains immense heritage species trees. It is known historically as Doctors Island, in the Ramapo River, where slag from the iron forge and Ludlum Steel Mill was dumped. It would be the Ramapo River

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terminus of the proposed Ramapo/Pequannock river walk and Morris Canal Greenway. (52)

Wanaque Frontage. Borough‐owned. These lots would be used as part of a future Wanaque River walk. Additional frontage along the Wanaque River would be needed for the walk. (64‐66, 101)

Old Swimming Hole. Borough‐owned. Situated on the Wanaque River adjacent to Snodgrass Park, it contains the northern loop of the pathway that starts at Hershfield Park. Historically, there used to be a diving board on a concrete base at McDavitt’s Point near the existing clearing. The river is an estimated 22 feet deep at this point, having been dredged many years ago to accommodate diving Old Swimming Hole here. (71)

Breen’s Pond. Borough‐owned. This is a natural spring‐fed pond with an old wall at the river end. It escaped being filled‐in and developed because it is a permanently wet feature. (86)

Wanaque Riverbank. Borough‐owned. Would serve as a river walk pathway between Carlough Field and Garden Park. (87)

Pompton Lake Bottom. Borough‐owned. Pompton Lake runs along the Borough’s easterly border with Wayne Township in the northern and central sectors. (92) Breen’s Pond Pompton Lake Island. Borough‐owned. This 0.75‐acre tree‐covered island lies near the southerly section of Pompton Lake. (93)

Beacon Hill. Privately‐owned, connected conservation easements / land trust covenants exist on the two separate residential properties. There is also a bird sanctuary. (102, 103)

Pequannock River Gravel Shoal. Borough‐owned. The Pequannock River took a short cut here, abandoning its previous channel and adding a piece of land to the Riverdale side of the riverbank that originally belonged to Pompton Lakes. Located in the middle of the Pequannock River, this shoal changes daily in appearance depending on the flow of the river. (78)

Garden Park. Borough‐owned. A small area situated on the Wanaque River adjacent to Murrin Park. It is largely forested and not considered a “park” by most residents. (76)

Garden Park

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Active Recreation Area

Snodgrass Park. Borough‐owned. This park, named after Vietnam War veteran, George Snodgrass, is situated on the Wanaque River with Old Swimming Hole on one side, and Hershfield Park and the High School Football Field on the other. It contains baseball and soccer fields. The Board of Education has a lease to use the fields and maintains the park. (73) Snodgrass Park

High School Football Field. Pompton Lakes Board of Education. Home of the Pompton Lakes Cardinals, this football field is wrapped on three sides by Hershfield Park, and Snodgrass Park to the north. (74)

Hershfield Park. Borough‐owned. This park is located on the Wanaque River. It is accessed from Hershfield Park Place and wraps ¾‐way around the High School Football Field. Contains a baseball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, High School Football Field playgrounds, a picnic area, and a parking area. There is also a pathway paved with permeable concrete, running from Hershfield Park to Old Swimming Hole, which includes a foot bridge leading across the Wanaque River to Murrin Park. A skate park has been built adjacent to the tennis courts. The Borough would need two more tennis courts to be used for tournament play. (75)

The Woodpark. This playground, built in 1994 in loving memory of a young girl, Sophie Margaret Stocus, is located in the southwest corner of Hershfield Park. (75) Hershfield Park Lot

Police Memorial. A flagpole and memorial plaque is located within the Hershfield Park complex, near the intersection of Ramapo Avenue and Hershfield Park Road. (75)

Carlough Field. Borough‐owned. This area is used for the Pompton Lakes‐ Riverdale Youth Organization (PLRYO) football games and practice and is maintained by the PLRYO. Contains a football field, field house, and loop trail through a wooded wetland section that follows the Wanaque River to its The Woodpark confluence with the Pequannock River, and North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (NJDWSC) pipeline right‐of‐way. (79)

Lincoln Ave. Elementary School Grounds. Board of Education. There is a paved area on the easterly portion of the school grounds that children use for playing and recess. (118)

Carlough Field

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Passive Recreation Areas

Wilderness Island Park. Borough‐owned. This park is located on an island in the Wanaque River. DuPont did a remediation project here and finished it off by planting native trees and wildflowers, creating a gravel footpath, and installing split log benches made out of a large tree from the site. Afterward, an Eagle Scout project entailed the identification and labeling of the island’s vegetation. Copies of the inventory list are provided at the display board. The park is Wilderness Island Park sign accessed from the Paterson‐Hamburg Turnpike Bridge. (69)

Snake Island. Borough‐owned. This rounded island was created when dredge spoils from the excavation of the swimming hole were dumped here. Downstream of Snake Island is a natural island where the remains of the old concrete dam are visible. Borough property extends along the bank opposite from McDavitt’s Point. The McDavitt’s Point ruin, a pre‐Civil War estate, sits overlooking the Wanaque River. (72)

McDavitts Ruins Murrin Park. Borough‐owned. Formerly “Veteran’s Park” this park is also on the Wanaque River and is accessed from Ringwood Avenue and by footbridge from Hershfield Park. It contains the veteran’s tree park. (77)

Memorials / Pocket Parks

Federal Square. Located at the triangle between Wanaque Avenue and Paterson‐Hamburg Turnpike. Although it no longer exists, this historic site is known as the place where Generals Washington and Lafayette met in the “yellow tavern” or “yellow cottage” to discuss military strategy during the Revolutionary War. Now the site hosts the Pompton Lakes Liberty Bell, a Civil War cannon, and a piece of the U.S.S. Maine which stands as a call to “Remember the Maine” as

Federal Square the impetus for the Spanish‐American War. (110)

Fireman’s Memorial Square / Cahill Park. Located at Paterson‐Hamburg Turnpike and Center Street. Consisting of two flagpoles beside a monument with a plaque displaying “valor, fidelity, duty” and a large brass bell on top, it honors Raymond Cahill, the only Pompton Lakes fireman to die in the line of duty (1972). (111)

Utility Areas

Water Tower. Pompton Lakes MUA. The Authority maintains a 1,000,000‐gallon Firemans Memorial Square water storage tank and a 50,000‐gallon standpipe. (98)

Pipeline. State‐owned. This is a NJDWSC pipeline right‐of‐way. (100)

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North Sector (Map 3)

Conservation Areas

Twin Lake. Borough‐owned. Fed by Post Brook, this lake at the northerly border of the Borough is used for fishing and boating. The easterly half of Twin Lake is a single tax lot of approximately 5.9 acres (per tax assessor), and was being acquired by the Borough at the time of this 2012 publication. [The westerly half of Twin Lake, however, is divided into individual tax lots of private ownership, which essentially make up the rear yards of the properties fronting on Midland Avenue. These yards should be considered for potential acquisition or potential conservation easement.] (90)

Gabrellian Tract. Borough‐owned. The property is steeply‐sloped with bedrock outcroppings and was remediated for past industrial hazards. If feasible, this area could serve as the entrance from downtown to a ridge trail hike in the Wanaque Valley. (91)

Pompton Lake Bottom. Borough‐owned. Pompton Lake runs along the Borough’s easterly border with Wayne Township in the northern and central sectors. (92) Gabrellian Tract Lakeside Strip. Borough‐owned. Strip of lake shore at the end of Jefferson Ave. and opposite Veteran’s Park (95)

Active Recreation Areas

Lakeside School Grounds. Board of Education. The school’s field is used for baseball, softball, and soccer practice. (53)

Rotary Park. This peaceful little park, near Lakeside Park, is located on the Board Rotary Park of Education property that extends from the Lakeside School Field. (109)

Lakeside Park. Borough‐owned. The south‐western section has some wetlands in the Acid Brook delta, and the north‐eastern section has a lakeside beach (non‐ swimming), playground, and picnic area. The cedar gazebo, playground equipment, and fishing dock were installed in 1999, and the bath house was renovated with a new roof and siding. The fishing dock, donated by students of Lenox School, is also used for the rental of paddle boats in the summer months. Lakeside Park is accessible by boat from Wayne Township and Oakland Borough Lakeside Park across Pompton Lake. There is also a boat ramp from Lakeside Avenue. (54)

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Elks Lodge. Privately‐owned. This property is owned by the Pompton Lakes Lodge‐ 18995 BPO Elks. The BPOE holds picnics in this area, which has a beautiful view of Pompton Lake. The picnic grounds are adjacent to property owned by North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (which is #57, shown as ‘potential acquisition’ on the map). (56)

Joe Louis Memorial Park. Privately‐owned. In Elks Lodge Property 1999 on a corner of the Elks property, the Joe Louis Memorial Park was dedicated. It was here that the “Brown Bomber,” heavyweight boxing champion of the world, trained for his bouts in the 1930s and 1940s at Doc Biers’ training camp. (56)

Pacifico‐Gallo Park. Borough‐owned. Situated on the western shore of Twin Pacifico-Gallo Park Lake, the park was originally Pacifico Park. In the early 1990s the Gallo family donated the funds used to refurbish the park and playground. The park also offers fishing and a boat launch to Twin Lake. (61)

DuPont Field. Privately‐owned. This property has been leased to the Borough through a self‐renewing Evergreen Lease since the 1950s. It is dedicated to recreation purposes, specifically, for soccer games and practice. (62)

High School Parking Lot. Board of Education. The parking lot contains DuPont Field basketball courts. (63)

Passive Recreation Area

Veterans Memorial Park / Schuyler Park. Borough‐owned. Was originally called Schuyler Park, but is now known as Veterans Memorial Park. It contains the memorial walkway stones. (55)

Ramapo Mountain State Forest. State‐owned. Lying within the Borough is a 135‐ Veterans Memorial Park acre section of the park that offers to hikers the Cannonball Trail, and the Hoeferlin and South Ridge hiking trails. The entire 4,161‐acre hilly forest is a sanctuary for wildlife. Hikers enjoy miles of challenging trails, many of which offer views of the New York City skyline. Birdwatchers are attracted to the forest for its ponds, streams and marshes that provide the perfect habitat for bird and other wildlife species. The forest borders the Ramapo Mountain Reservation, which is part of the Bergen County Park System. (58)

Ramapo State Park 30

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Lambert Street Lot. Borough‐owned. This is a tiny piece of property along Acid Brook set aside for flood storage. (105)

Krom Park. Borough‐owned. Named after Councilman Donald Krom, and located at the intersection of Wanaque Avenue and Cannonball Road, this small piece of property was reduced by half when the roadway was widened. (112) Lambert Street Lot

DuPont Square. Borough‐owned. This is a tiny triangle between Howard Street and Walnut Street. (99)

Disbrow property. Borough‐owned. This is a 0.13‐acre property recently acquired by the Borough. It was envisioned the lot could accommodate a small tot lot. (108)

Dupont Square

Utilities

Pipeline. New York Susquehanna and Western RR owned / JCP&L Right‐of‐Way. See Open Space Recommendations for multi‐use path. (114, 115) DuPont Square

Disbrow Property

Krom Park

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Summary

The tables below provide a summary of the total amount of open space in Pompton Lakes by both ownership and type. (A table of all open space properties identified in the inventory are in Appendix A.)

As shown in the Ownership Table below, “potential for future acquisitions” represent 23% of the total open space in the Borough. These are open space properties that have yet to be permanently protected (Chapter 5).

Pompton Lakes and the State of New Jersey are the largest owners of open space in the Borough. Ramapo State Park accounts for the State’s largest tract in the Borough. More recently, properties experiencing repetitive flooding in the Borough, particularly along the Ramapo River, were acquired by NJDEP’s “Blue Acres” program, and are now under state ownership. There is little privately‐ owned protected open space in Pompton Lakes.

Ownership of Open Space

Type of Owner Parcels Acres Percent Municipal 65 256.9 43% County 5 16.8 3% State 14 159.8 27% BOE 4 13.1 2% Easement 2 4.4 1% Private 4 13.5 2% Potential Acquisition 25 135.0 23% Total 10 599.4 100%

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

The first table below shows the distribution of existing open space on “land” in Pompton Lakes, of where there is approximately 331 acres (not including potential acquisition).

Much of the protected open space is “passive” open space, due largely to the 125+‐acre portion of Ramapo State Park to the north and the Aquatic Park properties to the south. The 57 acres of “active” recreation areas are located primarily in the south (i.e., Willow Ave Sports Complex) and central (i.e., Carlough Field and Hershfield Park) portions of the Borough. A needs analysis for these uses is presented in the next Chapter.

Existing Open Space (Land Only)

Type Parcels Acres Percent Active 20 56.89 17.1% Active /School 4 13.12 4.0% Passive 16 152.37 45.9% Conservation 47 109.44 33.0% Total 87 331.82 100.0%

When considering all open space in the Borough, including lakes, utilities, and areas of “potential acquisition” (discussed in Chapter 5), there are an estimated 600 acres of existing and potential open space.

All Open Space (Land, Water, Utilities & Potential)

Type Parcels Acres Percent Active 20 56.9 9% Active/School 4 13.1 2% Passive 20 247.9 41% Conservation 65 123.2 21% Utilities 8 38.6 6% Lake 2 119.6 20% Total 117 599.4 100%

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Map 1: Southern Sector

*Includes potential acquisitions. See Chapter 5 and Appendix A

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Map 2: Central Sector

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Map 3: Northern Sector

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Chapter 3. Open Space and Recreation Needs Analysis

Overview

Why are parks and open space really needed? Chapter 1 (Page 13) discusses the many benefits of open space. Today, their need has never been greater. Studies show that obesity rates in the United States, which have risen dramatically over recent decades, will continue to rise if there is no real and significant change to the diets and lifestyles of Americans. In New Jersey, nearly 30% of the population is considered “obese.” According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), by the year 2025, at least 30% of the population in every state (except for Colorado) will be obese. The obesity problem is a health crisis for all of America. It has proven links to heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes, and many other life‐threatening conditions. The health crisis is an economic crisis, causing health insurance rates to rise and increasingly burdening families and societies.

The problem has much to do with our busy lifestyles, which leave little time for exercise and healthy eating. Just a few generations ago, people worked energetically at a factory or in the farm and burned calories all day; today, many people sit at a desk for most of their day. To get to work, by far, most Americans drive their cars, and frequently, parents are dropping‐off their kids at school, especially as strapped school budgets cut local bussing service to schools.

Today’s youth and adult population need to make a conscious effort to get daily exercise. Exercise needs to be affordable and easily accessible to all residents‐ i.e., within a 5 to 10 minute walk to reach places for recreation or to enjoy nature. Transforming small neighborhood vacant lots into “pocket parks,” for example, can provide a playground for neighborhood children. The environment we live in shapes our decisions and actions. If parks are within a short walking distance of home, school, or work, people may choose to walk there. At the same time, they are reaping all the extra benefits of that walk‐ a chance to socialize with neighbors, burn calories, get the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors, and save energy by not driving their cars.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Park & Open Space Needs Analysis

A “needs analysis” involves calculating the anticipated need for recreation and open space, and can be prepared using any number of known methods, including: the New Jersey Balanced Land Use Concept, the New Jersey Green Acres Population Method and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Standards. Such standards can help communities plan for park acquisition, development and maintenance. The identification of a standard establishes a baseline goal for park development, which can then be a shared objective across local governmental agencies and stakeholders.

According to the NRPA, there are many important reasons to establish and implement park and recreation standards, including: o A national expression of minimum acceptable facilities.

o A guideline to determine land requirements for various kinds of park and recreation areas and facilities.

o A basis for relating recreational needs to spatial analysis within a community‐wide system of parks and open space areas.

o One of the major structuring elements that can be used to guide and assist regional development. Does Pompton Lakes 3% meet the 3% guideline? o A means to justify the need for parks and open space within the overall land‐use pattern of a region or community. Pompton Lakes’ developable land (not including water Balanced Land Use Guidelines (3%) bodies or roads) is 1,725 acres.

3% of this is 51.8 acres New Jersey’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)  Publicly‐owned parks recognizes that local conditions play a significant role in the amount of recreation account for 171.3 acres, Yes space available and should be considered when determining what type of parks (Includes: Mini, and recreation facilities to provide. Still, the Plan recommends the Balanced Land Neighborhood, & Use Concept for calculating open space and recreation space for New Jersey Community Parks, plus communities1. The Balanced Land Use Guidelines recommend at least 3% of a Ramapo State Park; does municipality’s developed and developable area be the minimum amount of land not include schools.) that should be permanently dedicated as public open space and available for  Excluding Ramapo State appropriate, direct public recreation uses. Land that is protected for Park, publicly‐owned environmental purposes, which do not permit direct public access, however, do parks with recreation not count towards the public recreation land supply figure. No uses total 45.4 acres.

1 New Jersey Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2008-2012, Green Acres Program, NJDEP

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National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

The NRPA develops standards that are intended to be used as guidelines for the planning, acquisition, and development of park and recreation facilities at the community level. NRPA formerly recommended of a minimum of 10 acres of park space per 1,000 people. The NRPA and other organizations now recognize that this method is simplistic and not an accurate indicator of recreation needs since all communities are unique and constantly changing. Communities are encouraged to set their own standards based on current and predicted demand, and adjust to address community specific needs and situations. The 10 acre standard should therefore only be used as a general point of reference.

NRPA Park Classifications and Standards

The NRPA has established a classification, or hierarchy of parks, that defines park areas by: their function, the various activities generally provided, size, and the population residing in the service area. NRPA park classifications are provided in the Table below. The standards provided are general recommendations, but will vary for each community. For example, the community parks in Pompton Lakes are all less than 20 acres in size.

NRPA Classifications

Desirable Acres / 1,000 Type Service Area Typical Facilities Size Residents*

Tot Lot / Mini or 2,500 sf – 0.1 - 0.3 Acres / < 1/4 mile Play area, benches, small picnic Pocket Park 1+ Acres 1,000

Neighborhood Playground, picnicking, athletic fields 1/4 to 1/2 mile 5-10 Acres 1 - 2 Acres / 1,000 Parks or courts, open space, other 1/2 - 3+ miles community athletic fields or Community Parks (or 2 or more 20+ Acres 5 - 8 Acres / 1,000 complexes, aquatic amenities, walking neighborhoods) paths, picnicking, other

5+ miles (Several Municipality and sports fields, trails, camping, natural Regional Parks 80+ Acres Communities) beyond features, other

Varies by Playground, picnicking, athletic fields School Parks 1/4 to 1/2 mile 1 - 2 Acres / 1,000 School or courts, open space, other

No applicable golf course, historical site, community Special Use Areas Varies Varies Standards center, theme park, water park

Open lands / forest, wildlife, wetlands, water, 0.75 - 1 acre / Natural Resource Varies Any Size interpretive sites, trails, picnic table, 1,000 Area benches, open lawns Walking, jogging, biking, skating, Varies Greenways 1/2 mile Any Size horseback riding, Benches, signage,

picnic, drinking fountains * There is no longer a national standard for acres per 1,000 persons.

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While size, use, features, etc. can vary tremendously even in the same category, they generally exhibit the following general characteristics.

Tot Lot / Mini or Pocket Park: Small sites in heavily developed areas. These parks serve the immediate neighborhood.

Neighborhood Parks: Serve as the recreational focus of the neighborhood, offer a balance of active and passive recreation activities to neighborhood residents, and provide facilities within walking distance of their homes.

Community Parks: Provide for active / passive recreational needs of several neighborhoods on a large site that is easily accessible by automobile or public transit. This category allows for group activities and other community‐based recreational opportunities not feasible at the neighborhood park level.

Regional Parks: Provide for active and passive recreational needs of the entire community by preserving large open spaces, usually greater than fifty acres that can accommodate recreational activities not feasible within smaller park classifications and are easily accessible by automobile or public transit.

School Parks: Provide for efficient and cost effective park and recreational facilities by combining school district and municipal resources at a single site so both public agencies benefit by sharing the use of land and facilities.

Special Use Areas: Provide for recreational, cultural, and/or educational activity focused on a single purpose use and easily accessed from anywhere in the community. Can include sports complexes with heavily programmed athletic facilities.

Open Lands / Natural Resource Area: Provide for the preservation and utilization of significant natural resources and/or land formations for trails and other passive recreational uses and educational benefits.

Greenways: Uses natural resource areas, such as waterways, and man‐made areas, such as railroad, utility, and parkway corridors, to tie park system components together, forming a cohesive park environment. Serves as location for street‐separated recreation trails.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Pompton Lakes has at least one park in each NRPA category, as shown in the below tables and corresponding Map 4: Parks & Open Space by NRPA Category.

Mini Parks / Pocket Parks Small sites in heavily developed areas that serve the immediate neighborhood. May have a small sitting area, play equipment, central vegetative feature, etc. (Typically 0.5 – 1 Acre) Pompton Lakes: Few small parks are within walking distance of Borough residents Map ID Name Type Owner Size 55 Veterans Memorial/Schuyler Park Passive Municipal 0.321 105 Lambert Street Lot Passive Municipal 0.178 107 Craig Place Corner Passive Municipal 0.070 109 Rotary Park Passive Municipal 1.621 Ramapo Blue Acres 51 (Prop. Tree Remembrance Park) Passive State 0.696 2.887

Neighborhood Parks: Provides active and passive recreation activities to the entire neighborhood and is within walking distance to most. (5 – 10 Acres) Pompton Lakes: Smaller in size than the NRPA guideline, these parks are popular with residents in their neighborhoods and beyond. They do not offer parking (except for on‐street), and mostly attract visitors on foot or bicycle. Map ID Name Type Owner Size 42 Stiles Park Active Municipal 0.498 54 Lakeside Park Active Municipal 1.383 61 Pacifico‐Gallo Park Active Municipal 1.237 77 Murrin Park Passive Municipal 1.456 4.574

Community Parks: Serve active/passive recreational needs of multiple neighborhoods, group activities, and other community‐based recreational opportunities not feasible in a neighborhood park. (20+ Acres) Pompton Lakes: Borough residents and those of neighboring municipalities visit these parks for general use and organized League sports. They offer off‐site parking. They are smaller than the 20+ acre guideline, but serve the purpose of a community park Map ID Name Type Owner Size 3, 4, 81, 88, 116 Willow Ave Sports Complex Active Municipal 14.430 75 Hershfield Park Active Municipal 9.571 79 Carlough Field Active Municipal 7.745 73 Snodgrass Park Active Municipal 6.163 37.909

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Regional Parks: Attracts visitors from throughout the region. (50+ Acres) Pompton Lakes: A portion of the 4,000+‐acre Ramapo State Park in the Borough meets this category. Name Type Owner Size 58 Ramapo State Park Passive State 125.901

School Use: May combine school district and municipal resources at a single site to share use of land and facilities. Pompton Lakes: The school grounds of BOE properties listed below are used informally by residents in surrounding neighborhoods. Map ID Name Type Owner Size 53 Lakeside School Grounds Active BOE 3.611 63 PLHS School Parking Lot Active BOE 3.467 74 PLHS Football Field Active BOE 4.570 118 Lincoln Ave. Elementary School Active BOE 1.470 13.117

Special Use Parks: Provide a single purpose use (not general use) ‐ i.e., water park, ball field, sports complex, golf course, community pool, etc Pompton Lakes: Most Borough’s parks offer “general use” areas (playgrounds, dog walking, free play areas), and do not fall within this category. Once programmed, if the Ventimiglia parks offer general purpose areas they would not fall within this category. Map ID Name Type Owner Size 62 DuPont Field Active Private 3.509 28 Ventimiglia East (Proposed Fields) Active Municipal 2.784 97 Ventimiglia West (Proposed Fields) Active Municipal 1.843 29, 30, 33, 34 Ramapo Blue Acres (Proposed Fields) Active Municipal 1.847 9.982

(Note: Utility areas, water bodies, or sites being considered for potential acquisition are not included in the tables above and below.)

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Open Space / Natural Resource Area: Natural resources for trails and other passive recreational uses and educational benefits. Pompton Lakes: Because of the significant presence of environmental resources (water bodies, floodplains, steep slopes, etc.) of the undeveloped land in Pompton Lakes falls within this category. Map ID Name Type Owner Size 24, 104 Aquatic Park / Islands Passive County 16.475 43,44 Aquatic Park Extension Conservation Municipal 0.500 102 Beacon Hill Conservation Easement 1.592 103 Beacon Hill Bird Sanctuary Conservation Easement 2.796 86 Breen's Pond Conservation Municipal 1.121 5 Feinbloom Tract Conservation Municipal 13.899 19 Follari Tract Conservation State 20.876 6 Follari Tract East Conservation State 7.091 91 Gabrellian Tract Conservation Municipal 10.218 78 Island / Undetermined Conservation Municipal 1.093 95 Lakeside Strip Conservation Municipal 0.311 52 Mathes Avenue Woodlands Conservation Municipal 11.818 77 Garden Park Conservation Municipal 1.626 71 Old Swimming Hole Conservation Municipal 10.355 7‐18, 22 Pequannock River Parcels Conservation Various Public 1.926 80 Pequannock River Strip Conservation Municipal 0.428 93 Pompton Lake Island Conservation Municipal 0.735 31, 39, 41, 47, 49, 94 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Conservation State / Muni 4.018 2 Riverside Drive Lots Active Municipal 1.352 1 Sherman Tract Conservation Municipal 5.248 72 Snake Island Passive Municipal 0.523 82, 83 Undetermined Conservation State 0.552 25 Ventimiglia West Conservation Municipal 10.004 64‐66, 101, 106 Wanaque Frontage Conservation Municipal 1.396 87 Wanaque Riverbank Conservation Municipal 0.441 69 Wilderness Island Park Passive Municipal 2.943 32 Woods Road Tracts Conservation Municipal 0.520 129.858

Non‐Category / Traffic Islands: Landscaped traffic islands or small memorials, which do not fit into any of the other categories. Map ID Name Type Owner Size 99 DuPont Square Passive Municipal 0.081 110 Federal Park Passive Municipal 0.133 Fireman’s Memorial Square/Cahill 111 Park Passive Municipal 0.020 112 Krom Park Passive Private 0.323 0.557

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

NRPA Summary

The table below summarizes each of the tables above and provides the total acreage of each NRPA park category in Pompton Lakes. Using the former “x” per 1,000 resident standards, it appears as though the Borough well exceeds the natural resource acreage (to be expected), but is on the low‐end or deficient in most park types. This standard, while no longer supported by NRPA, can simply be used as a starting point of reference for the Borough.

Summary of Acreages for each NRPA Category

Previous NRPA Recommendation Pompton NRPA Park Type Num Acres (Per 1,000 residents)* Lakes

Mini / Pocket Park 5 2.89 0.1 - 0.3 Ac. 1.1 ‐ 3.3 Ac. Low

Neighborhood Park 4 4.57 1 - 2 Ac. 11 ‐ 23 Ac. Deficient

Community Park 4 37.91 5 - 8 Ac. 55 ‐ 88 Ac. Deficient

Regional Park 1 125.90 -- ‐‐ NA

School Use / Grounds 4 13.12 1 - 2 Ac. 11 ‐ 23 Ac. Low

Special Use 4 9.98 Varies ‐‐ NA

Natural Resources 27 129.86 0.75 - 1 Ac. 8 ‐ 11 Ac. Sufficient

Other (Traffic Islands) 4 0.56 ‐‐ ‐‐ NA

Totals 53 324.78 * There is no longer a national standard for acres per 1,000 persons.

Beyond just size, it is important that the parks meet “service area” demands. For example, the NRPA recommends that mini parks (pocket‐parks), which are small (typically under an acre), be located within ¼ mile walking distance of all residents. Being able to take a short walk to an outdoor space to play, relax, enjoy nature or talk with neighbors can be a significant quality of life improvement.

Map 4 shows the presence of each park category in the Borough and Map 5 demonstrates the areas within a ¼‐mile radius of the park. The neighborhoods that are not within this walking distance should be targeted for future small park development.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Map 4: Parks & Open Space by NRPA Category

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Map 5: ¼‐Mile Walk to Mini, Neighborhood or Community Parks

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

In general, the following can be said about the Level of Service for each NRPA park category in Pompton Lakes:

 Several Borough neighborhoods are not served by a pocket or Mini‐Park within a ¼‐mile walking distance;

 The four Neighborhood Parks are well dispersed throughout the Borough and are well‐attended. Additional mini‐ or neighborhood parks should be considered for the areas not currently served.

 The Community Parks are located in the central and southern portions of the Borough, and are accessible by driving (or bicycling) for most residents.

 Pompton Lakes is fortunate to have the Ramapo State Park, a Regional Park within its borders. However, it should be more accessible for residents to walk or bicycle there.

 Using the former NRPA standards, Pompton Lakes is on the low‐end of the spectrum for recommended School Parks and recreation facilities. The school grounds for the Lenox Avenue and Lincoln Avenue Schools are nearly completely paved.

 Pompton Lakes’ Special Use Areas typically provide a single use (such as a soccer field or ball field) that does not offer amenities or access to the general public. Special Use areas in Pompton Lakes can also include the Borough’s historical, cultural and community sites, such as the Teen Center. To know how the supply satisfies the demand, a Level of Service (LOS) analysis would need to be performed. (See discussion of LOS analysis that follows.)

 Given its prevalence of water, wetlands, floodplains, and other environmentally sensitive areas, Pompton Lakes far exceeds the previously recommended Natural Resource Area. This is a great example of how one set of standards will not fit all communities and why each community should develop its own LOS standard.

 Pompton Lakes is working on creating a system of Greenways. Discussion of these efforts is in the Recommendations Section.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Preparing a Tailored LOS for Parks

Population Change Understanding Current NRPA methodology calls on each community Year Pop. % Change demographic trends (age, to determine its own standards based on a Level of race, ethnicity, etc.), is one 1940 3,189 2.7% Service (LOS) or a “systems approach” that is applied of the keys to developing 1950 4,654 45.9% an appropriate Level of to each park classification within a community. The 1960 9,445 102.9% Service (LOS) analysis. LOS approach considers local land use, demographic, 1970 11,397 20.7% social and economic characteristics. It looks at the 1980 10,660 −6.5% existing park and recreation infrastructure of a 1990 10,539 −1.1% community, use trends, current and projected needs, 2000 10,640 1.0% and available resources to develop recommendations Est. 2010 11,097 4.3% (appropriate standards) that are within a community’s Population in Pompton Lakes fiscal limits. appears to be on the rise.

Pompton Lakes can perform its own LOS analysis that follows NRPA Guidelines. The process is summarized in the following steps, which are intended to compare the park/recreation facilities desired by residents (demand) with the existing amount of park or recreation space (supply).

1. Determine the menu of Recreation Activities at each park classification. The Recreation Activity Menu (RAM) is the list of all recreation facilities, (i.e. tennis courts, tot lots, picnic units, etc.) which go into each park classification and for which a specific amount of space will be needed. The RAM determines the facilities space requirement for the LOS formula.

2. Determine Open Space Size Standards for each park classification for which LOS standards will apply.

3. Determine the Present Supply of these recreation activity choices.

4. Determine total Expressed Demand for these recreation activity choices (This can be accomplished through resident surveys, for example.)

5. Determine the Minimum Population Service Requirements for these recreation activity choices.

6. Determine the individual LOS for each park class.

7. Determine the collective LOS for the entire park & recreation system.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Recreation Facility Needs

Pompton Lakes has both recreation facilities (playgrounds, ballfields, field houses, etc.) and recreation programs (leagues, teams, classes, etc.). The Borough’s Recreation Commission within the Recreation Department runs a variety of programs throughout the year. Pompton Lakes’ sports organizations are independently managed by each organization (separate from the Pompton Lakes Recreation Commission). The Borough encourages parents to volunteer to help manage, coach, assist with field care, work snack stands, etc. They typically encompass surrounding communities, such as the multiple Pompton Lakes‐Riverdale leagues. The programs are popular, growing larger each year.

Existing Recreation Programs

Pompton Lakes provides a host of youth sports programming through volunteer‐ run sports organizations, including the PAL Basketball (Police Athletic League), Pompton Lakes Riverdale Little League (PLRLL), Pompton Lakes Riverdale Soccer Association (PLRSA) and the Pompton Lakes Riverdale Youth Organization (PLRYO). The table below shows information for each sport and organization.

Cost/ Fields/ Sport Org. Age Area Seasons Notes Size Player* Locations 1st - 9th Pompton Lakes, Summer; In-town; Basketball PAL $70 Grade Riverdale Winter Travelling

Softball 6 -16 Yrs + Willow Ave Pompton Lakes $95 600 Complex; Baseball PLRLL Adult April - July Tournament & Riverdale Youth Hershfield T-ball 5-6 Years $65 Park PreK - 8th Pompton Lakes Fall; Winter; In-town: 600 DuPont Soccer PLRSA $55 - $80 Grade & Riverdale Summer Travelling Youth Field

Football PW, JR, SR School $50 Carlough Flag Football 5 - 7 Yrs Season Pompton Lakes Deposit Field July-Dec. Cheerleading PW, JR, SR & Riverdale Summer Competition Uniform PLRYO PW, JR, SR Cheer Camp Teen Center Cheer Cost Hudson, Bergen, Twin County $50 Wrestling Dec. - Feb. PLHS Passaic, Morris Jr. League Deposit Lacrosse PLHS

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Existing Recreation Facilities

Pompton Lakes maintains a variety of sport fields, courts, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities for use by its sport leagues and the public. The Matrix and the Map 6: Recreation Facilities Map which follow, show the types of facilities available at each location.

Recreation Uses & Facilities Matrix

Recreation Play Field Water Location Soccer Football Baseball Basketball Tennis Grounds Picnic House Trails Facilities Willow Ave X X X X X X Complex Feinbloom Tract X X X Ventimiglia East (F) (F) (F) Ventimiglia West (F) (F) (F) Aquatic Park (F) X Stiles Park X X (F) X Carlough Field X X X Hershfield Park X X X X X X (F) PLHS Field X (F) Snodgrass Park X X (F) PLHS Parking Lot X X (F) Lakeside School X X X (F) Lakeside Park X X (F) X Pacifico‐Gallo Park X (F) X DuPont Field X X Ramapo State X Park (F) ‐ Future

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Map 6: Recreation Facilities Map

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

For each type of sport or recreation facility, a table highlights where that facility is, the main users (leagues, general public, schools, etc.), the current demand and any future recommendations. Where a field is used for more than one purpose, it is noted as a “multi‐use” field. One disadvantage of multi‐use athletic fields is that heavy usage (i.e., by Little League during the summer and by the Soccer Association during the fall) can cause the turf to become tattered, and reduces the fields’ resiliency and playability. As additional needs for each facility arise, they should be documented within the OSRP.

Soccer Site Location Facilities Usage Current Demand Recommendation Rehabilitate worn DuPont Field Northern Soccer field PLRSA Soccer Assoc.: ~600 children field Willow Ave. PLRSA, Southern Athletic Field Soccer Assoc.: ~600 children Complex Multi-use, Lakeside PLRSA, Northern Athletic field Soccer Assoc.: ~600 children School Field Multi-use, Snodgrass PLRSA, Central Athletic field Soccer Assoc.: ~600 children Park Multi-use Feinbloom Southern Soccer field Proposed Soccer Soccer Assoc.: ~600 children Tract

Baseball Site Location Facilities Usage Current Demand Recommendation Hershfield Baseball Central PLRLL Little League: ~600 children Park field Willow Ave. Joe Grill Southern PLRLL Little League: ~600 children Complex Field Lakeside Baseball Northern BOE Must be reserved. School Field field Snodgrass Baseball Central PLRLL Little League: ~600 children Park field Feinbloom Baseball Southern PLRLL Little League: ~600 children Tract field

Football Site Location Facilities Usage Current Demand Recommendation Football stadium Exclusive High School use PLHS Field Central BOE & Stadium Running track Field house Carlough Football field PLRYO Summer through Fall Central Field Field house

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Basketball

Site Location Facilities Usage Current Demand Recommendation Hershfield PAL, General Central Basketball court Park Use PLHS PAL, Summer Northern Basketball court Parking Lot Program

Stiles Park Southern Basketball court Open

Tennis Site Location Facilities Usage Current Demand Recommendation Hershfield Central Tennis courts General Use Park

 PLRLL – Pompton Lakes Riverdale Little League  PLRSA – Pompton Lakes Riverdale Soccer Association  PLRYO – Pompton Lakes Riverdale Youth Organization  PAL – Police Athletic League  BOE – Board of Education

In addition to sport fields and facilities, the Borough’s park and recreation areas also offer several playgrounds, walking path areas, water recreation uses, and other facilities, including those in the tables below.

There are three playgrounds in the northern part of Pompton Lakes, one to serve the central portion and one to serve the southern portion of the Borough. Additional playgrounds in new “mini‐parks” locations would provide greater access to residents not within a short walk of the four existing playground sites. Playground at Hershfield Park

Playgrounds

Site Location Facilities Usage Current Demand Recommendation Hershfield Older children Central Playground Serves Central area Park Woodpark Younger children

Lakeside Park Northern Playground All children Serves Pompton Lake area

Pacifico-Gallo Northern Playground All children Serves Twin Lake area Park Craig Place Corner for Stiles Park Southern Playground All children Only playground in southern sector new playground PLHS Parking Northern Playground School Children Lot

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Given its proximity to three rivers and two lakes, the Borough also offers a multitude of water recreational features. Residents can rent paddle boats in Lakeside Park or launch a canoe from several locations along the “Aquatic River Trail” that skirts around the southern portion of Pompton Lakes.

Water Facilities Site Location Facilities Usage Current Demand Recommendation Fishing dock Paddle boat Improve Lake water Multi-use by all age groups Lakeside Park Northern General use quality & Open for Picnic / Gazebo throughout the year swimming Boat launch Non-swimming Stiles Park Southern Canoe Launch General use Multi-use by all age groups

Boating / Car-top boat launch from Twin Lake Northern Private use Boat launch Pacifico-Gallo Park Willow Ave. Southern Canoe Launch General use Multi-use by all age groups Complex

Canoeing Aquatic Park Bird Watching Southern General use Multi-use by all age groups Islands Boating Fishing

Walking paths, a reading garden and a community center for teens are some of the other recreation facilities in Pompton Lakes.

Other Recreation Facilities Site Location Facilities Usage Current Demand Recommendation Picnic area Multi-use by all age groups Skate park use General use needs to be Skate park throughout the year evaluated Hershfield Park Central Scenic pathways accessible to Proposed Riverwalks Riverside path Walking & bicycling seniors, baby carriage strollers, Regional Bikeways wheelchairs, and bicyclists Lakeside Game board tables Fitness station; School Northern Rotary Park for seniors and More facilities for seniors needed Ornamental garden Property general use for seniors Cannonball Trail Improve bike/ped Ramapo Scenic pathways accessible to access; create Mountain Northern South Ridge Trail Wilderness hikers seniors, baby strollers, additional trail Hiking Trails wheelchairs access over Hoeferlin Trail Wanaque ridges Pompton General use & Northern Reading Garden More facilities for seniors needed Lakes Library Seniors Yearly Fee; All Used as practice space by Teen Center Northern Community Space residents of PL Cheerleading Squads, as well and Riverdale

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Recreation Needs Analysis

Similar to the standards provided for types of parks, the National Recreation and Other desirable amenities Park Association (NRPA) provides standards/guidelines for various types of mentioned by Pomoton Lakes’ recreation facilities, based on the size of a community’s population. These residents include: standards, however, are only meant to be used as a general guide. Logically, the  Dog Park supply of each facility should be based on the current and future demand for that  Jogging Trails particular facility. While the NRPA may recommend 1 baseball field per 5,000  Water park or features residents, this standard is likely to be grossly inadequate to meet Pompton Lakes’  Volleyball needs, where Little League is a high demand athletic program.  Group Fitness / Adult classes The Table below summarizes how the Borough’s facilities compare to the NRPA standards, based on a population size of 11,097 (2010 Census Estimate).

Recreation Facility Level of Service (LOS) Facility NRPA Standard Pompton Lakes Ranking Basketball 1 Court per 5,000 Residents 3 Courts* Acceptable Tennis 1 Court per 2,000 Residents 4 Courts Sub‐Standard Baseball 1 per 5,000 Residents 6 Fields Above Average Softball 1 per 5,000 Residents 6 Fields Above Average Football 1 per 20,000 Residents 2 Fields Above Average Multiple Court Use 1 Multi‐Use Court (basketball, volleyball, 1 per 10,000 Residents Sub‐Standard (Lakeside School) tennis) Inter‐local Swimming Pool 1 per 20,000 Residents Acceptable Agreements* 1/4 Mile Running Track 1 per 20,000 Residents 1 Track Acceptable Soccer 1 per 10,000 Residents 4 Fields** Above Average Playgrounds/Tot Lots 1/4 Radius of Service 4 Playgrounds Sub‐Standard * Agreements with surrounding municipalities for shared use of their swimming facilities ** Includes Multi‐Use Fields

For most of the above facilities, the Borough should determine the level of service standards appropriate to serve Pompton Lakes’ residents. Once again, the only reliable standards for recreation facility planning will be based on actual measured citizen demand. The Borough should look to conduct a survey to gather this empirical evidence. Once the demand, capacity and land ratio is known, Pompton Lakes can set these targets as Goals and Action Steps in the Open Space and Recreation Plan. To proceed with this research, the Borough would answer the following questions:

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

1. What is the citizen demand for various parks and recreation resources? (How much or how often are small community residents using softball fields, bike trails, playgrounds, etc?)

2. What is the capacity for various recreation resources? (How many citizens can a softball field or playground accommodate? How many softball fields are needed to meet that demand?)

3. Given demand and capacity for certain facilities, how much land will be needed to accommodate those facilities? (This can be expressed in acreage per capita, or acreage per 1000 residents.)

4. Are these facilities in locations that meet the service area demand? More than just providing the facilities, the location of the facilities, and whether residents can easily and conveniently reach them is important. Population density is an important indicator of need.

5. The provision of recreation facilities should account for changes in population characteristics, particularly with respect to age and culture. Youth activities and facilities for seniors are important to towns that anticipate growth in these population areas. Current demographic data and projections can assist make determinations in which facilities to fund in the future.

The map below (Map 7: Population Density & ¼‐Mile Walk to Active Parks) below shows population density (the number of persons per square mile, within each Census Block) using 2010 Census data. A ¼‐mile walking distance radius surrounds each park in the Borough that provides opportunities for “active” recreation such as baseball, football, soccer, and playgrounds. These parks are publicly owned and accessible to the general public (private property and school properties are not included.) The Map shows that much of the Borough’s population is within a ¼‐mile walking distance a public park that offers active recreation. However, some areas of higher population density are not currently served, such as the apartment buildings along the Paterson‐Hamburg Turnpike, the senior citizen housing on Lakeside Avenue and the DuPont Village area. Here, there is opportunity to consider future active park development, even in small mini‐parks.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Map 7: Population Density & ¼‐Mile Walk to Active Parks

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Chapter 4. Natural Resources Inventory “NRI”

Overview

Note: One of the main objectives of open space planning and preservation is the Natural Resource identification of significant natural resource elements that are essential to a Inventories (NRI) can be included in an OSRP or be healthy environment, and which ensure public health and safety. Pompton Lakes stand-alone documents. has an abundance of natural resources, which are identified and mapped in this section. The NRI and associated NRI Mapping was not comprehensively updated as It should be noted that the NRI content and Mapping included herein was part of this 2012 OSRP prepared as part of the 2003 OSRP and was not updated as part of the 2012 OSRP Update . effort (except for formatting, minor editing and a discussion of the Highlands Act at the end of the chapter). It is recommended that the Borough update this NRI and included mapping with the latest available information, including current GIS data. Additional mapping to add to an updated NRI could include–Changes in Land Use, Impervious Coverage, Tree Canopy, Soils, Geology, and Flood Hazard Areas. Other recommendations include making the maps “parcel based” so resources on a property‐by‐property basis are easily visible, adding street names for reference, providing all data sources and dates on the maps, and making the NRI downloadable from the Borough’s website.

Water Resources

The protection of the rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, flood plains, wetlands, and recharge areas in Pompton Lakes is vital for maintaining adequate high quality surface water and ground water, and reducing damage to flood prone areas. The concentration of surface water resources passing through this region, which originate in the still mostly undeveloped Highlands region to the north and west, necessitates the stewardship of these resources by all communities within the watersheds of the streams that drain into and through Pompton Lakes. (See NRI Map‐1: Riparian and Aquatic Features.)

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

The most visible natural resources of Pompton Lakes are the surface waters (rivers, streams, and man‐made lakes) that provide recreational areas, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic benefits. The borough is peninsular, as the southern and southwestern boundary is outlined by the Pequannock River, and most of the eastern boundary is determined by the Ramapo River and Pompton Lake. There is also Post Brook, which is fed by Twin Lake, the central borough‐gracing Wanaque River, and the formerly industrial Acid Brook. These rivers and streams Twin Lake greatly enhance the appearance and appeal of Pompton Lakes, as the riparian habitats they nurture provide a little bit of wilderness just “off the beaten track” from the Borough’s busy downtown and active thoroughfares. To ensure the long‐term health and viability of these resources, it is essential to protect the waters from the effects of non‐point sources of pollution and the impact of excessive nutrients.

The flood plain is a geographic area located along rivers and streams that has been formed by the action of seasonal floodwaters over time. Flooding is exacerbated by increases in impervious cover and compacted soils, which change surface conditions and thereby increase the velocity and volume of surface runoff. Preserving flood plains in a natural state is essential to reduce flooding problems. In New Jersey, the flood plain is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection under the Flood Hazard Area Control Act. Flood Hazard Areas are divided into sections, which include the channel, floodway, and flood fringe areas. Flood Hazard Areas include all areas that are likely to flood at least once in 100 years on average.

Residents of Pompton Lakes obtain drinking water from three public community supply wells (pcws) operated by the Pompton Lakes Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA). It is important to identify and protect land areas that provide replenishment of ground water supplies and optimal base flows to receiving streams and water bodies. This is critical to protect both the quantity and quality of surface and ground water supplies that are used for drinking water. The protection of ground water recharge areas and land along riverbanks and lakeshores in Pompton Lakes will protect public health here and further downstream.

Streams & Lakes

Acid Brook is a tributary of the Ramapo River; it empties into Pompton Lake at the Acid Brook wetland and delta near Lakeside School. Acid Brook runs through the old DuPont munitions plant site. Contaminated by years of industrial activity, remediation and restoration is currently being undertaken by the DuPont

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

company. In places, the brook is highly channelized with concrete block or mortared stone walls, and lawn extending all the way to walled stream banks. This type of modification is not beneficial for water quality as it contributes to stream bank erosion, and increases flooding and deposition of sediment downstream. To address these concerns, a 4,200‐foot section of the streambed, banks, and floodplain were reconstructed to their pre‐disturbance configuration, and re‐vegetated, after contaminated soil and sediments were removed. Other such clean‐up and restoration projects along Acid Brook are pending.

Post Brook flows from the north, out of Upper Twin Lake (Kearfott Lake) in Wanaque Borough into Twin Lake, which was created sometime during the 1920s when Post Brook was dammed. Twin Lake is boatable by canoe, rowboat, paddleboat, and other shallow‐draft craft. Pompton Lakes Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) has a public community water supply well located near the Twin Lake dam. Below Twin Lake, Post Brook flows through an urbanized area. On a historical note, near the confluence of Post Brook and Wanaque River was the site of the former Sickenger’s Grove park and picnic area.

The Pequannock River runs for a few thousand feet along the Pompton Lakes‐ Riverdale border that is designated as a trout maintenance or trout production stream (NRI Map 2: Protected Animal Species). These particular reaches exhibit necessary for maintaining prime trout habitat. Riffles occur where the riverbed is shallow; these rocky sections give the water an opportunity to ripple over the rocks, and serve as a natural aeration system. In the deeper pools, trout find cool hiding places. However, the Pequannock also shows evidence of impairment, such as higher than normal water temperatures, silt loading, and organic pollution from excessive algal growth. Some damage is caused by the indiscriminate operation of Off Road Vehicles (ORVs) along and within the river. In shallow sections, where riders are fond of crossing, riverbank erosion is exacerbated. In addition, driving through the river churns up sediment and destroys riffle zones, which then need to be painstakingly maintained by hand on a regular basis. Rivers and river corridors should be protected from damage Former Pompton Dam caused by ORVs and other motorized vehicles. The operation of such vehicles within protected areas needs to be prohibited and firmly enforced.

The Ramapo River traces the eastern border of the Borough and is dammed at the Pompton Dam, forming Pompton Lake. Pompton Lake offers a beautiful view and provides opportunities for boating and fishing. Originally built to provide hydraulic head for powering early industrial mills, Pompton Dam now serves as a picturesque historic landmark and retainer of Pompton Lake. Some Pompton Dam floodgates installed areas of concern with the Ramapo are problems with elevated bacteria levels, silt by the ACOE in2007 and nutrient loadings, temperature impairment, and flooding. On a historical

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan note, the system of raceways and feeder dams, constructed in the mid‐1800s to supply water to the Morris Canal, dramatically changed the course of the Ramapo River. Although no longer required to provide the means that maintained the steady stream of commercial transportation, the waters of the Ramapo still provide drinking water and recreational opportunities to the surrounding area. New floodgates were installed by the Army Corps of Engineers in 2007 to reduce flooding along the Ramapo River above the dam in Oakland.

The Wanaque River has a few thousand feet designated as a trout maintenance stream. The river runs through the center of Pompton Lakes after spending some time in the Wanaque Reservoir. The reservoir, operated by North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, lies nearly 1‐1/2 miles upstream from the Borough boundary. On its approach to Pompton Lakes, the Wanaque River runs under I‐287 and down the valley through property owned by the DuPont Company. For nearly 100 years, this reach of the Wanaque River had been filled with the waters of (the former) Lake Inez until the dam was breached in the mid‐ 1980s. Still visible are remains of the original industrial dam, built in 1886, which attest to the rise and subsequent demise of the man‐made lake, as natural processes work at converting the lakebed back into vegetated riverbank. The former Lake Inez section of the Wanaque, from the Julius Smith Bridget, slightly north to the dam, and north towards Wanaque Borough, is designated a Trout‐ production C‐1 waterway (“Wild Trout Fish & Game Stream”) by NJDEP.

South of Wanaque Avenue the riverbanks take on the appearance of a wilderness area due to the well‐established riparian buffer, which blends into the private properties that extend toward the river. Within the stream itself are a series of low stone weirs, which are manually maintained, cobble‐by‐cobble, by the Borough’s Environmental Officer, Ed Merrill. These weirs enhance the natural pool‐and‐riffle morphology of the Wanaque River, which provide favorable habitat for trout and other fish. The weirs also serve as an aeration system by mixing oxygen into the water as it splashes over the rocks. The rocks and oxygenated water also provide optimum habitat for the aquatic insect larvae, or macroinvertebrates, that are food for trout. Certain macroinvertebrates, such as dobsonfly larvae, stonefly nymphs, and crayfish, serve as indicator species regarding the health of the river because they require clean, well‐oxygenated water to survive. Water of high quality, that supports the health of these indicator species, is healthy for human activities, too. In addition, the weirs not only serve to improve biological diversity, but enhance the natural aesthetics of the river as well. The burbling murmur of dribbling water provides a soothing sound, and the visual appeal of cool water cascading over smooth stones imparts an especially sublime beauty to the river.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

The Wanaque River’s water is maintained at such a high quality because the surrounding ridges are well forested. The rainwater that falls on these ridges, eventually finding its way into the river, is free of the potential contaminants that are found in more developed areas. The Wanaque River valley and ridges are imbued with a natural beauty that also serves to preserve the river’s health

Groundwater

There are three (3) Public Community Supply Wells (pcsw), owned and operated by Pompton Lakes MUA, which provide water to residences and business:

• Well 1 is on Riverdale Boulevard. Its source is an unconfined glacial sand and gravel aquifer in the Piedmont, and has a pumping rate of 1,000 gpm (gallons per minute).

• Well 2 is on Lincoln Avenue. Its source is an unconfined glacial sand and gravel aquifer in the Piedmont, and has a pumping rate of 855 gpm (gallons per minute).

• Well 3 is on Willard Street and Midland Avenue. Its source is an unconfined glacial sand and gravel aquifer in the Highlands, and has a pumping rate of 1,280 gpm.

Well 1 and Well 2 are situated within the foothills geology of the Piedmont region. Well 3 is just on the border of the mountainous Highlands region. All three wells tap into unconfined glacial sand and gravel aquifers. These aquifers owe their high productivity to the “stratified drift” deposits left behind when the last glacier retreated from this area thousands of years ago. Being unconfined surficial aquifers, they are susceptible to ground water contamination from potentially polluting land uses and activities. Because the wells are vulnerable to ground water contamination, and Pompton Lakes relies on ground water for its drinking water supply, it is important that these wells be protected from potentially polluting land uses and activities. See NRI Map 3: Wells and Well Head Protection Areas, for a map of delineated well head protection areas in and around Pompton Lakes.

Wetlands

Wetlands provide many important environmental benefits to the citizens of Pompton Lakes. Wetlands provide habitat essential to the breeding and survival of diversified species of fish and wildlife, provide storage for seasonal floodwaters, and filter out waterborne pollutants thereby improving water quality.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

The protection of the natural functioning of wetlands is important for many Parcels that are partially located reasons. Wetlands slow and absorb storm water runoff before it reaches a within the 100-Year flood zone stream. Wetlands help to reduce flooding. Wetlands allow sediments, including and contain wetlands are the DuPont Wanaque Valley phosphorus in particulate form, to settle in the wetland instead of filling up the properties and the Gabrelian stream. Wetlands provide time for the vegetation in the wetland to absorb the Tract. nutrients in the runoff water, such as nitrogen compounds. Wetlands facilitate The Wanaque Valley is not the de‐nitrification or recycling of nitrogen compounds back into the air as currently classified as a vegetated area because it is still nitrogen gas. The maintenance and protection of these tracts of wetlands is in the process of converting from fundamental to water quality and flood control issues within the county and the lake bottom to riparian ecosystem and is not contained greater region. in the NJDEP data set.

The following tracts are located Wetlands are protected under the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act because within the 100-Year Flood Zone they both store and clean surface water. They are defined under the regulations and contain Forested Wetlands: Wanaque River Frontage, Old developed pursuant to this act. Any wetland that is delineated according to the Swimming Hole, Carlough Field, protocols set forth in these regulations should receive the highest protective Sherman Tract, Feinbloom Tract, Follari Tract, Ventimiglia Tract, ranking for this criterion. “Transition areas” around wetlands are also regulated Aquatic Park, and Mathes by the State. In Passaic County, the required transition areas around wetlands Avenue Woodlands. vary from 50 feet for an ordinary wetland, to 150 feet for an exceptional wetland.

Wetlands in Pompton Lakes are congregated in the southern portion of the Borough and near rivers. At the southern tip of the borough, there are riparian woodlands and wetlands nestled between the bend of the Pequannock River and the confluence of the Ramapo River. The water table is very close to the surface, as evidenced by the spring‐fed wetland located here. Two (2) of the Pompton Lakes MUA public community wells are located within the southern wetlands. Wetland areas along the Ramapo River are located below the Pompton Lake dam in the south, at the Acid Brook delta mid‐lake, and near the Oakland border in the north. Other areas are situated along the Wanaque River, especially within the bottom of the former Lake Inez, and in spots along the Pequannock River.

Some of the species habituated to wetlands are skunk cabbage, jack‐in‐the‐ pulpit, ferns, river birch, willow trees, and tussock grass. Birds identified, visually or by their calls, on one walk through the southern section were blue jay, cardinal, gray catbird, northern flicker, red‐bellied woodpecker, goldfinch, downy woodpecker, red‐winged blackbird, and numerous others. One matter of concern is the degradation caused by Off Road Vehicle (ORV) use within the southern area. Trails in the Folari Tract wetlands that were previously over‐grown are now becoming deeply rutted by the excessive wear‐and‐tear of motorized vehicles. Not only does this activity mar the landscape, but it also exacerbates soil erosion and destroys wildlife habitat.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

NRI Map 1: Riparian & Aquatic Features Note: NRI Maps created as part of 2003 WANAQUE OSRP OAKLAND

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Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Living Resources

Forests

Undisturbed tracts of healthy forest support biological diversity, provide buffering to water resources, filter air to remove pollutants, modify the local climate, and provide scenic beauty. The protection of forested lands throughout Pompton Lakes will ensure that these values will be retained to provide environmental and recreational benefits for the public.

Pompton Lakes contains forested areas in public, quasi‐public and private ownership. Within this region is a variety of mixed hardwood forested areas of varying composition, depending upon soil moisture and topographic location. The majority of these woodlands are considered central mesic hardwood forest (applied to an environment that is neither extremely wet “hydric” nor extremely dry “xeric”) with oak species comprising a full 40 percent of the growing forest. Along streams and lakes is a mixed hardwood species riparian forest (pertaining to a river bank environment) that is interspersed with patches of brush‐and‐ shrub lands. The upland forest in this region provides an essential natural ecosystem, which protects ground and surface water quality and quantity. (See NRI Map 4: Land Cover)

Slopes & Ridgelines

The protection of slopes greater than 12 percent is essential to preserve ridgelines and mountains from development that can cause erosion and exacerbate flooding problems. Limiting development on steep slopes will ensure that scenic viewsheds remain undisturbed and that important wildlife corridors are conserved. NRI Map 5: Elevation and Slope displays 50‐foot elevation contours and steep slopes over 12 percent in Pompton Lakes.

Vegetated slopes need to be protected for two reasons: (1) to detain storm water in the soil and plants, and (2) to reduce erosion and sediment from washing off into streams.

On well‐forested slopes, even quite steep slopes, there is very little runoff from most storms. If the water doesn’t run off, then the soil isn’t eroded away. Most of the phosphorus entering streams from non‐point sources are carried in sediments. Because steeper slopes are more likely to have more runoff and erosion, if other conditions are equivalent, then well‐vegetated steep slopes are in the greatest need of protection.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Valued Vegetation

Heritage Tree designation is given to trees of historic importance, and Specimen Tree designation is given to mature trees with a trunk girth greater than a specific minimum circumference. Some huge specimen trees are located in the Mathes Avenue Woodland, and within the Ventimiglia West Tract.

Wildlife Resources

Threatened and Endangered Species include wood turtle and timber rattlesnake (NRI Map 2: Protected Animal Species). Although the map does not show any animals in the southern sector, this does not mean that the area is devoid of protected species. Rather, the map is reflective of areas that were surveyed at the time by the NJDEP, Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Vernal ponds, also known as ephemeral or seasonal wetlands, provide crucial spring and early summer breeding habitat for obligate species such as frogs, salamanders, and toads. There are vernal ponds in the southern sector near the MUA and on the Ventimiglia Tract. If two vernal pond species can be identified as breeding in a vernal pond, then the area surrounding it is considered to be exceptional resource value and carries with it 150 foot buffers. Vernal pond indicator species are wood frog, spotted salamanders, blue‐spotted salamander, and fairy shrimp. Other dependent species are spring peeper, American toad, green frog, and eastern newt.

Springs naturally bring ground water up to the surface, forming permanent ponds. Spring‐fed ponds exist as Breen’s Pond and the pond at Old Swimming Hole, and are also located on the Ventimiglia Tract. These ponds provide good wildlife habitat because they do not dry up in the summer, and often do not completely freeze‐over in the winter.

Wildlife habitat supports various species such as mink, beaver, blue heron, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, turtles, and a great diversity of native local and migratory birds. All of these animals have been seen within the borough.

Trout maintenance and trout production streams provide excellent aquatic habitat for benthic macroinvertebrate species that serve as water quality indicator species. Good biological diversity indicates clean healthy water, which is necessary for trout fishing as well as for boating, swimming, and drinking water supplies.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

NRI Map 4: Land Cover Note: NRI Maps created as part of 2003 WANAQUE OSRP OAKLAND

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NRI Map 5: Elevation & Slope

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Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Archaeological and Historic Resources

Arrowheads and other artifacts of the Munsee tribes of the Lenni Lenape people It is recommended that are scattered throughout the Borough. An Algonquin speaking people, the the Borough prepare a comprehensive Historic Lenape established villages throughout the area. Skillful in hunting, fishing and & Archeological agriculture, they thrived along the fertile riverbanks where they tended crops of Resources Inventory and Master Plan that maize, tobacco and beans. The name Pompton translates as “wry mouth” provides historic (twisted mouth) in the Lenape tongue, possibly referring to the way the information, details and mapping of these Wanaque and Ramapo Rivers pass through the valley and discharge into the important resources. The Pompton River. plan should also address their tourism value. Slag from the Pompton Ironworks was dumped in the Ramapo River, creating the historic landmark of Doctors Island, off Mathes Avenue. Pompton Dam, which holds back the waters of the Ramapo River to form Pompton Lake, was originally built to provide power for the furnace and early industrial mills. The original wooden dam, catastrophically breached by the great flood of 1903, was replaced by the concrete dam in 1909. The concrete dam still stands today.

Cannonball Road, part of a system of roads between Paterson, NJ, Suffern, NY, and points in‐between, was a covert military road used by American forces for strategic advantage over the British during the Revolutionary War. The roads were used to deliver the cannonballs and huge chain links, forged in Pompton Lakes, to West Point. The links were used in a great chain across the Hudson River to stop British war ships from sailing past West Point.

Historic landmarks as determined by The Historical Preservation Commission and the Planning Board. (See NRI Map 6: Historic Sites)

• Emmanuel Einstein Memorial Library, 333 Wanaque Avenue • “Pompton Furnace” and adjacent raceway, 321 Hamburg Turnpike • “Bartholf Homestead” at 322 Broadway • “Ironworkers Cottage” at 1238 Lincoln Avenue • Pompton Lakes High School, 44 Lakeside Avenue • Lenox Avenue Elementary School (“Pompton School”), Lenox Avenue • Pompton Reformed Church, 59 Hamburg Turnpike • Christ Episcopal Church, 400 Ramapo Avenue • Pompton Lakes Post Office, 47 Lakeside Avenue Pompton Lakes Historic Train Station • Queen Anne House, 33 Ramapo Avenue • Pompton Lakes Train Station, Lakeside Avenue • Federal Square, Wanaque Avenue and Hamburg Turnpike • First Post office/telephone exchange, 103‐109 Wanaque Avenue • Schuyler House, 15 Perrin Avenue • Second Empire Building, 227 Hamburg Turnpike • The Outlook, 233 Bartholf Ave. • The VanNess House, 350 Riverdale Road

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

NRI Map 6: Historic Sites Note: NRI Maps created as part of 2003 OSRP;

Additional Historic sites were added to the map for the 2012 update.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Critical Resource Protection

The Open Space Committee of Watershed Management Area 6 (WMA6) developed criteria for evaluating the natural resources of lands within the Passaic River Basin in order to preserve the critical environmental processes that are already taking place on land in the Passaic River Watershed, particularly the provision of plentiful, clean water supplies in the future. Such protection can be achieved by several means which include but are not limited to: buying land which provides these critical environmental processes and putting restrictive covenants on the future use of that land, securing conservation easements, and purchasing farmland development rights. The Open Space Committee of Watershed Management Area 3 (WMA3), in which Pompton Lakes is located, adopted these criteria in 2002.

The purpose of developing criteria for the preservation of water resource lands is to assess the value of the environmental services that a given land area may provide so that the land that is chosen to be set aside provides optimal values for continuing to provide plentiful, clean water supplies. The goal of ensuring adequate water supplies for future water users has three aspects that must be considered together:

 Protection of upland areas where ground water is recharged in order to safeguard the quantity and quality of both ground and surface waters;

 Protection of areas where water is at or near the surface of the land in order to sustain the quantity and quality of surface water; and

 Protection of ecosystem health.

Seven (7) Resource Protection Criteria 7 Resource Protection Criteria:

1. Recharge Areas Seven (7) criteria were selected for the types of areas that provide these ecologic 2. Drinking water source areas services. All criteria had to be “mapable” using readily available GIS data. Then, 3. Steep Slopes by committee decision, each type of area received a score that evaluates the 4. WHPAs capability of that type of land area to provide clean water supplies. The areas 5. Surface Water Sensitive Areas chosen are described below. 6. Wetlands 7. Ecosystem Health

Each area has been categorized according to its “comparative ability” to protect vital services for the sustenance of clean and plentiful water supplies if left in its current state. The categories or subdivisions chosen for each type of area are listed in the table entitled “Categorization of Criteria for Water Resource Lands.” Also shown on this table are the scores or values given for each category of a

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan type of area. The intent of this evaluation of land areas is to provide guidance to municipalities and others interested in open space preservation so that expenditures for land acquisition and other methods of protection are beneficial in the protection of natural resources.

Recharge Areas:

Recharge is the seepage or infiltration of water from rain or snow into the ground. Ground water supplies need to be replenished through recharge. Ground water also supplies what is known as base flow in streams and rivers. Base flow supplies most of the water in lakes and reservoirs. Wooded areas have the highest recharge rates because the vegetation detains storm water and facilitates its percolation into the ground. Because high recharge rates are so crucial for sustaining water supplies, those wooded areas with good recharge capabilities should be preserved.

Drinking Water Source Areas:

In the Passaic River Basin people in the heavily developed Lower Valley depend upon precipitation that falls in the Highlands and Central Basin for most of their drinking water. People are using so much water that about half of the water that would flow in the Passaic River under natural conditions no longer reaches the Lower Valley. This criterion identifies the capacity of regions in the watershed to replenish base flows. The Highlands region, which is the least developed, and headwaters for much of the watershed, gets the highest score. All of Pompton Lakes is considered as a “high replenishment area.”

Areas with Steep Slopes:

Vegetated steep slopes need to be protected to detain storm water in the soil and plants, to recharge ground water, and to reduce erosion. On well‐forested slopes, even quite steep slopes, there is very little runoff in most storms. (NRI Map 5: Elevation and Slope)

Well Head Protection Areas:

Well Head Protection Areas, especially around public community wells, need to be protected so that pollutants don’t get into drinking water. Tier 1, the area closest to a well, gets the highest score. (NRI Map 3: Wells and Well Head Protection Areas)

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Surface Water Sensitive Areas:

Surface water sensitive areas include all surface water bodies and lands adjacent to these water bodies. Well‐vegetated flood plains and riparian areas abutting flood plains provide many benefits including amelioration of flooding, storage of storm water, and reduction in loadings of nonpoint source pollutants reaching a water body. They should be protected. (NRI Map 1: Riparian and Aquatic Features)

Wetlands:

Wetlands slow and absorb storm water runoff before it reaches a stream. Wetlands help to reduce flooding. Wetlands absorb nutrients and other pollutants in runoff water. (NRI Map 1: Riparian and Aquatic Features)

Conservation Areas for Protection of Ecosystem Health:

Because there are many different types of ecosystems, there are many different ways to assess ecosystem health. “The Landscape Project” developed under the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program has captured many of these aspects, and has produced maps of areas that should be conserved in order to protect wildlife habitat in New Jersey. The purpose of the project is explained as follows: “Protecting large expanses of fields, forests and wetlands helps to ensure that rare species will remain a part of New Jersey’s future. In addition to providing habitat for the conservation of rare species, the Landscape project will result in more open space for outdoor recreation. . . Open spaces provide places where people can escape the confines of urban and suburban living. Retaining habitats in their natural state provides other benefits such as reducing the threat of flooding, allowing for the biodegradation of environmental contaminants and recharging ground water reserves.”

Evaluation of Lands with High Water Resource Values

Those areas providing these critical ecologic services have been composited and evaluated so as to assign “scores” for water resource preservation values to all land in the watershed. This method was used to evaluate the Water Resource Values of land in Pompton Lakes and to create the map shown in NRI Map 7: Water Resource Values. The highest composite Water Resource Value score that was found anywhere in Pompton Lakes was 74. The natural resources and land use characteristics of Pompton Lakes are exceptionally well suited for maintaining high quality water resources.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

The Water Resources Map, and the methods used to produce this map are but one tool among many that may be used to facilitate planning for the preservation of the water resources and other natural resources of Pompton Lakes and the Passaic River Watershed. Protection of natural resources is important for many social and economic reasons. For instance, the aesthetics of natural stream ways and ridgelines provide scenic beauty for recreational activities, and impart psychological and social benefits to residents and visitors.

Categorization of Criteria for Water Resource Lands Suggested Type of Area Category of Area Score Recharge Areas >19 inches/year 24 19‐15 inches/year 21 14‐10 inches/year 12 9‐5 inches/year 6 <5 inches/year 0 Drinking Water Source Areas High replenishment area 12 Moderate replenishment area 6 Low replenishment area 0 Areas with Steep Slopes >15% 12 >12% 8 >8% 4 Absent 0 Well Head Protection Areas Tier I for Public Community Well(s) 12 Tier II for Public Community Well(s) 8 Tier III for Public Community Well(s) 4 Absent 0 Surface Water Sensitive Areas Open surface water body 12 Area within 1500 feet of reservoir 12 Floodway*** (Floodway delineations are not 12 currently available in a GIS data set) Flood hazard area re FEMA mapping 9 Area within 75 feet of stream, lake or pond 9 Area within 150 feet of stream, lake or pond 6 Absent 0 Wetlands Freshwater wetland 12 Freshwater wetland buffer area within 150 feet 6 Absent 0 Forest Conservation Areas, or Highest priority, rank=5 12 Wetland Conservation Areas, or High priority, rank=4 10 Grassland Conservation Areas Medium priority, rank=3 8 Low priority, rank=2 6 Lower priority, rank=1 4 Absent 0

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

NRI Map 7: Water Resource Values

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Highlands Act

One of the major changes since the 2003 OSRP Plan is the establishment of the Highlands Region. In August 2004, the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act was signed into law to “preserve open space and protect the state’s greatest diversity of natural resources including the precious water resources that supply drinking water to more than half of New Jersey’s families.” The Highlands Act established the boundary of the Highlands Region, and the designation of the “Highlands Preservation Area” and the “Highlands Planning Area.” Pompton Lakes is located fully within the Planning Area.

The Act mandates that the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (Highlands Council) create a Regional Master Plan to, “protect and enhance the significant values of the resources” of the Highlands. The Highlands Regional Master Plan (Highlands RMP) was adopted and became effective September 8, 2008. Conformance with the RMP (Plan Conformance) is the overall goal for implementation of the various elements of the RMP. The Highlands Act establishes the requirement that all municipalities and counties for land in the Preservation Area bring their local master plans and development regulations into conformance with the “goals, requirements and provisions of the regional master plan.” Plan Conformance is voluntary for lands in the Planning Area, both before and after submittal of a Petition.

Pompton Lakes received a 2009 Plan Conformance Grant to assess its position relative to Basic Plan Conformance. The grant funded the development each of the components (“Modules”) required for a petition to the Highlands Council. Conformance with the Master Plan would require Pompton Lakes to adopt a Highlands Master Plan and Land Development Ordinance. Pompton Lakes is near ready to submit its petition (Module 7), but is not making a determination as to Plan Conformance at this time.

Highlands Plan Conformance Grant Module 4 was an exercise 7 Plan Conformance Modules: in looking at the “model Highlands ERI” for Pompton Lakes, prepared by the 1. Municipal Conditions & Build‐Out Analysis Highlands Council. This ERI uses 2. Land Use & Resource Capacity Analysis data collected by the Highlands Council, and provided as Maps, 3. Housing Element & Fair Share Plan text and tables. This data has 4. Highlands Environmental Resource Inventory not been verified by the Borough. If anything, the Borough could 5. Highlands Master Plan Element use it to supplement this NRI, 6. Highlands Regulations not replace it. 7. Municipal Self Assessment, Implementation Plan & Petition

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Chapter 5. Open Space & Recreation Recommendations

Overview

The open space and recreation recommendations that follow fall into three major categories:

Identified Acquisitions The individual properties identified for potential acquisition are primarily for conservation or passive recreation use, or for acquisition of lands that experience repetitive flooding. Many are adjacent to existing preserved areas, where the acquisition would serve to enlarge or enhance the utilization of these areas. As small lots become available in residential neighborhoods not served by a park (See previous Population Density and the ¼ Mile Walk to Active Parks Map), these properties should also be considered for acquisition for active or passive park use. These properties are referenced on the Maps provided on pages 34 ‐ 36.

Long Term Opportunities These ideas have come out of Borough planning initiatives or from resident feedback. They are longer‐term “visions” for the Borough that will require comprehensive planning and implementation.

Connecting it all through a system of greenways linkages One of the major recommendations to come out of this OSRP Update is the establishment, and in some cases‐ formalization, of Borough trail networks for non‐motorized travel, exercise and recreation for access to and between parks, schools, civic spaces, and other key destinations. These greenway linkages can be created by connecting urban streetscapes, road corridors, abandoned rail lines, utility easements, riverwalks and natural trails.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Potential Acquisitions

Potential Conservation Use

Pequannock River Parcels. Privately‐owned. Parcels should be acquired for consolidation with Follari, Sherman and Feinbloom tracts. (16, 20, 21)

Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway. Privately‐owned. Parcels should be acquired for consolidation with borough and state‐owned parcels for the purpose of riparian corridor conservation, floodway mitigation, and the proposed Ramapo/Pequannock riverwalk and Morris Canal Greenway. (35‐40, 48, 50)

Ramapo Riverway. Privately‐owned. Should be acquired for same purpose as Note: This photo is for illustrative Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway parcels. (84, 85) purposes only. The house shown here was removed through the Blue Acres program. Aquatic Park Extensions (Birch Ave.). Privately‐owned. These parcels are recommended for acquisition to expand the conservation area near the county‐ owned Aquatic Park. They are landlocked, within the floodway and floodplain and have scattered wetlands. The property is not maintained and debris scatters the site. (45, 46)

Wanaque Frontage. Privately‐owned. Parcels should be purchased for the purpose of riparian corridor conservation, flood hazard mitigation, and the Wanaque River walk. (67, 68)

DuPont North Strip. Privately‐owned. Proposed as a formal connection across DuPont properties between Ramapo Mountain State Forest and the Wanaque Valley. The expectation is that certain DuPont properties, situated within Pompton Lakes and Wanaque, would be set aside in the future as a Wanaque River Valley conservation area. (89)

Lakeside Strips. Privately‐owned. Strip of lake shore at the end of Shuyler and Grant Avenues and opposite Lake Side Garden Apartments owned by Lakeside Management (c/o Steve Mueller). These strips have been offered to the Borough as a donation to be used as an extension of the Lakeside Park shoreline along Pompton Lake. (96)

Kaba Property. Privately‐owned. This nearly 2‐acre, partially wooded property lies between the Pequannock River and the NJDWS pipeline, and was proposed for dedication to the Borough as part of a minor subdivision application in 2009.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Prior to accepting the dedication, the owners must comply with certain property clean‐up conditions required by the Planning Board. (113)

Twin Lake (dry land). Privately‐owned. This is a narrow, vegetated strip of land along the eastern shore of the lake, next to Ringwood Avenue. (117)

Potential Passive Recreation

Wilderness Island South. Privately‐owned. Acquisition of this property would allow for the extension of Wilderness Island Park across the entire island. Although split by the Paterson‐Hamburg Turnpike, both halves are accessible through an underpass which provides drainage when the Wanaque River is at flood stage. (70) Wilderness Island South

Lakeside Area. Utility‐owned. This parcel is held by the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission. It could be preserved as an easement adjoining the Elks Lodge property. (57)

DuPont Wanaque Valley East and West. Privately‐owned. The Borough of Wanaque is considering the preservation of open space to serve as a Highlands Greenway which would connect with Highlands preserves to the north. Similarly, preservation of the DuPont land along the Wanaque River would serve to extend the Highlands Greenway southward into Pompton Lakes, and would protect 81 acres of forest, 4 acres of wetlands, 4,100 linear feet of river bank—counting both sides, and a key viewshed from the I‐287 bridge. Acquisition of these properties would maintain the Wanaque River’s excellent water quality and prime wildlife habitat, and would allow access for fishing, hiking and nature studies. A hiking trail through the valley (and Gabrellian Tract) could connect to the downtown district. (59, 60)

Pipeline. Utility‐owned & Privately‐owned. This is an existing pipeline utility right‐of‐way along an abandoned railroad line (NY & Greenwood Line) near I‐287. Ownership consists of the North Jersey District Water Commission (NJDWC), the New York Susquehanna and Western Railroad Company (NYS&W) and Jersey Central Power and Light Company (JCP&L). There is currently a fence on portions of it. It is recommended for open space acquisition or easement for the future potential use as a walking/bicycling recreation trail. (100, 114, 115)

Footbridge. There is the potential to restore a pedestrian bridge over the Pequannock River that would connect the Follari tract to the NYS&W bicycle and pedestrian route in Pequannock Township (See Page 85 for discussion.)

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Long Term Opportunities

With the Borough’s vast and unique natural resources, creative thinking is required to determine how these resources should be utilized. Critical environmental features should be protected from uses that would impede their important natural functions. Other resources, however, offer tremendous opportunity as recreational assets or for economic development, many of which are currently inaccessible to Borough residents. Through Master Planning efforts the Borough can plan for and prioritize the fulfillment of its long term opportunities, so that each area of open space may fulfill its intended function and purpose. Several such opportunities are discussed below.

Downtown Waterfront Park & Riverwalk

Along with the Borough’s current efforts to revitalize the downtown commercial district, there is tremendous opportunity to simultaneously plan for the establishment of a waterfront park along the Wanaque River, while restoring the floodway and floodplain. The presence of the Wanaque River, just steps from the Borough’s downtown, creates a unique opportunity for the development of a large park that could be integrated into the comprehensive redevelopment of the downtown district. As mentioned in the Borough’s 2006 Downtown Vision Plan, this comprehensive approach to redevelopment could re‐establish the downtown as a viable, commercial, residential and recreational core.

The Borough’s 2007 Master Plan Land Use Element reiterates the call to link redevelopment of the downtown to the Taken from the Land Use Plan riverfront. The Plan states that the Element of the 2007 Master riverfront area should be developed Plan, prepared by H2M with a large park having bicycle and pedestrian paths. It imagines the park as “a place for shoppers to rest, for restaurants to provide outdoor seating, and for Borough events and entertainment… [and as] a source of openness in an urbanizing area.” Pedestrian linkages would promote access to the park from Wanaque Ave. Vision Plan, Downtown Pompton Lakes, prepared by A. Nelessen Associates, Inc. 2006

A waterfront park would offer many benefits to the Borough including: a buffer between the river and new development along Wanaque Avenue; passive and

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan active recreation opportunities in a central location for Borough residents; an economic development attractor for downtown business; a quality of life attractor for residents interested in downtown living with a park view; a central place for residents to meet, hold events and take pride in Pompton Lakes; a way to improve flooding conditions by using appropriate Low Impact Development (LID) development strategies; and many others.

DuPont Revitalization

Over the years, the Borough has considered various ideas about what to do with the 230‐acre DuPont site when remediation of the site is finally complete. The DuPont Brownfield site, which operated as a munitions facility between 1886 and 1994, has been undergoing decades of clean up for lead, mercury, PCE, TCE and other contaminants in the surface water, groundwater and soils, both on site and off site. The soil clean up portion of the remediation program is expected to be complete by 2015. With the site potentially coming “on line” in the near future, the planned re‐use of this site should be a top priority of the Borough.

Equally significant to its size, the site is rife with natural resources. Running in a north south direction, there are steep, forested ridge lines. Surface water bodies, scattered wetlands, a winding creek, and natural vegetation lie within the narrow valley. Any future use scenario should consider these important resources, as well as the proximity of the 450 residential homes near the site.

The Land Use Plan Element of the 2007 Master Plan lays out a plan for an 18‐hole golf course to span the valley area, as well as a hotel complex and cluster townhouse residential. The Planned Recreational Community would offer recreational opportunities on site, as well as footpath connections to the adjacent 4,200‐acre Ramapo Mountain State Park. A Planned Recreational District could offer enormous recreational and economic development opportunity for the Borough, and increase utilization and access to Ramapo Park. However, a project of this magnitude would require substantial improvements to site access, which is currently limited to Cannonball Road. Borough Officials were hoping for access to the site from a new Route 287 exit, but approval seems unlikely, and Officials considered the exit central to the project’s viability. Residential, hotel and recreational uses also seem improbable, and at best‐ decades away, given the level of remediation that would be required.

Another consideration for the site is an Alternative Energy Valley, essentially a renewable energy farm with wind turbines and solar arrays. According to Borough Officials, the site has been studied and shows positive indication for use as a wind farm. Researchers concluded that there is adequate wind between the

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

small ridges on the site to power the turbines. The farm could produce and provide free energy for all Borough uses, creating substantial savings in municipal energy costs. The main concerns expressed by surrounding residents are the size of the wind turbines, vibration and noise; environmentalists express concern over the impact to bird migratory patterns. If DuPont and the Borough follow through with the idea, a conceptual design of the site and a visual impact analysis (as well as impact of vibration, noise and bird migration) should be prepared so these issues can begin to be addressed. One impetus for the installation of alternative energy use is that it has a lower standard of remediation (residential development requires a much higher clean up standard), and re‐purposing of the site could begin within a shorter timeframe.

Given its size, the site could feasibly support a number of uses, such as—a wind farm or solar array within the low‐lying valley, other types of related development (i.e., municipal uses) in the flat, non‐resource intense areas, and hiking and recreation opportunities along the ridges, with trail access to the Ramapo State Park. There is also opportunity for a learning center that focuses Chattahoochie Nature Center on alternative energy education, municipal services and environmental resource protection. A model such as the Liberty Science Center at Liberty State Park in Jersey City (although on a much smaller scale), could be implemented, where visitors of all ages can learn about energy use, consumption, distribution and the impact on communities and the environment. The Center could operate indoors and outdoors, and offer splendid, up‐close views of the ridges, valley, and windmills.

The plan for the site also should work in concert with the protection of the Tom Ridge Environmental Wanaque River Valley, as indicated in the above section on potential open space Center, Erie, PA acquisitions.

Water Recreation Destination

Becoming a destination for water sports and leisure activities is an achievable goal for a Borough with three rivers and two lakes. Swimming for recreation continues to be an activity at the top of the recreation wish list for many Borough residents. Therefore, cleaning its waters to “fishable” and “swimmable” levels should be a top priority. Lakeside Park currently offers a “non‐swimming” beach due to the presence of contamination within Pompton Lake. The “Old Swimming Hole” along the Wanaque River was once a local swimming spot for The Old Swimming Hole along the residents, as well. In the mean time, the Borough should work with neighboring Wanaque River municipalities to enable resident access to a community pool.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Interpretive Lakeside Walkway

Along portions of the Pompton Lake shore, particularly between Lakeside School and the top of the Elk’s Lodge property/Water District property, there is opportunity for a nature walkway. The walkway could provide interpretive learning that focuses on the wetlands and act as an open‐air classroom for lakeside learning. The walkway could serve educational and recreational needs for students at Lakeside School, as well as visitors to Lakeside Park. Example of a walkway built within wetlands for nature observation Ramapo & Pequannock Riverwalk Trails

The Borough has long considered installing a continuous riverwalk that wraps the southern municipal boundary, along and having views of the Ramapo and Pequannock Rivers. Eventually, these trails can connect to a wider trail network throughout the Borough‐ along the JCP&L pipelines, along the Wanaque River, up to the ridges of the DuPont tract, and over to the Ramapo State Park, as discussed further in the next section.

The Ramapo & Pequannock Riverwalk is a work in progress. Along the Pequannock River side, portions of the trail exist from Cedar Avenue to the Aquatic Park Islands. Here, the trail should be extended to connect to Carolough Existing trail through Follari Tract Field. There is also the potential to restore a pedestrian bridge over the Pequannock River that would extend from the Follari tract and connect to the NYS&W bicycle and pedestrian route in Pequannock Township. Alongside the Ramapo River, the Borough would need to develop a trail from the Mathes Avenue Woodlands to the Aquatic Park Islands. With the acquisition of Blue Acre properties along the corridor, there would be adequate land to create a “linear park” along the entire corridor. As proposed, the trail can also traverse the Ventimiglia tracts, providing access to proposed athletic fields, and lengthening the trail. From Dawes Highway and extending south of the Borough’s Water Treatment Plant, the proposed path and linear park can also dovetail with the proposed Morris Canal Greenway.

Examples of Riverwalks withvarying 85 levels of development

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

While many of the properties that lie along the Ramapo River (south of the Mathes Avenue Woodlands) have been acquired by the Borough or through the NJDEP / FEMA Blue Acres program, several are privately‐owned residential properties. Situated between the Ramapo River and Riveredge Drive, these properties are frequently subjected to heavy flooding during storm events. As indicated above, the remaining privately held properties should be acquired for consolidation with the Borough’s and state‐owned parcels for the purpose of riparian corridor conservation, floodway mitigation, and the proposed Ramapo/Pequannock riverwalk.

The proposed trails and riverwalk should be clearly marked and have wayfinding Public art, exercise facilities, and picnic areas signage. Trail logos could also be developed for wayfinding and marketing. can also be installed Within the Feinbloom tract, the “paper” street names could become the names where appropriate of dedicated trails in the future. The trails can be used for nature seekers or as a travel mode to get to various destinations (i.e., Carlough Field, Willow Ave. Sports Complex, Canoe launches, Stiles Park). There are various historic markers and natural habitats which can be “viewing points” along the trail, including a bird sanctuary within the Follari tract.

Creating Connections

Pompton Lakes Trails and Connections

There are many types of trails. There is tremendous opportunity for development of a network of trails, paths, and riverwalks in Pompton Lakes that residents and visitors could use for Bike trail Hiking trail recreation, exercise, nature experience, or as a means of transportation. The Nature trail trails can link the Boroughs parks, schools, library, shopping areas (including Multi-use Interpretive downtown), historic landmarks, nature viewing areas, and regional trail Historic networks. Once developed, the Borough could promote the use of these trails Riverwalk Water trail and paths through recreational marketing, health campaigns, tourism marketing, environmental education programs, etc. One idea would be to create trail maps For various kinds of users- and corresponding audio “walking tours” that are downloadable from the Walkers Borough’s website, and which guide the walker, describing notable civic, park, Hikers environmental, historic or cultural features along the way. Skiers

Bicyclists Strollers Below is a listing of the potential trail opportunities in the Borough. A complete Rollerbladers Trails and Greenways Plan could further develop these individual components The disabled into a complete system and detail proposed uses, infrastructure needs and

treatments. The Map 8: Trails & Greenway Network Map below shows the proximate locations of each trail.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

 Downtown Wanaque Riverwalk & Park As discussed above, a Wanaque Riverwalk & downtown waterfront park is a long‐term objective that should be considered simultaneously with the redevelopment of the downtown district.

 Continuous Wanaque Riverwalk There are existing trail segments that run adjacent to the Wanaque River Wanaque River, behind Downtown through the Old Swimming Hole, Snodgrass Park, and Hershfield Park. The Borough would need to create a trail that crosses the W. Lenox Avenue pedestrian bridge (just south of downtown) and continues through Wilderness Island Park to the Old Swimming Hole. Other smaller segments are needed to connect this trail to the Pequannock River trail. An existing footbridge permits a connection between Hershfield Park and Garden Park. There are various natural habitats in this area that could be viewing points. Footbridge at Hershfield Park

 Utility Line Multi‐Use Path A multi‐use path (bicycling, walking, rollerblading, etc.) should be considered along the entire length of the water supply utility line that extends from the southwesterly tip of Carlough Field at the southernmost point to Wanaque Borough at the northernmost point. The southerly portion of the utility line is owned by the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (15.7 acres) from Carlough Field up to the train tracks. North of the tracks, the two segments of the utility line are owned by NYS&W Railroad (3.7 acres) and JCP&L (4.3 acres). The Joggers on the Pipeline, Garden Road Borough could consider approaching these owners for Easements that would allow for the development and use as a nearly 2‐mile linear recreational trail.

 Pequannock & Ramapo Riverwalk As discussed above, the Borough should complete the development of the Pequannock and Ramapo Riverwalks with linkages to existing parks and open space and other local and regional trail networks.

 Mathes Avenue Woodlands Trails Trails through the Mathes Avenue Woodlands (also known as “Doctor’s Island”) would essentially form the Ramapo River terminus of the proposed Pequannock‐Ramapo Riverwalk and the Morris Canal Greenway. In 1995, Borough’s Planning Board preserved the woodlands with a local landmark designation. The trail passes by a huge “Heritage Specimen Tree,” which boasts a 16‐foot‐wide circumference.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

 Proposed Ridge Trail Hike above the Wanaque Valley Starting at Cannonball Ave., just north of downtown, the Borough could formalize an existing ridge trail that extends north through the Gabrellian Tract and continues along the easterly side of the Wanaque Valley ridge (DuPont Property), up into Wanaque Borough. The trail re‐ enters Pompton Lakes at the northerly point of the DuPont tract and traverses into Ramapo State Park. Wanaque Valley North  Ramapo Park Hikes Pompton Lakes is fortunate to have a State Park within its borders that attracts hikers and nature lovers from all over New Jersey and beyond. A future re‐activation of the train station could also make it a destination for New Yorkers and other regional transit users. The Cannonball and South Ridge Trails are the two main trails within Pompton Lakes. These trails connect to more than 4,000 acres of parkland in Ramapo State Cannonball Trail head at DuPont field Park. Bicycle and pedestrian linkages to these trails should be promoted through wayfinding signage directing people to the trail heads.

Bike Route

Map 8: Trails & Greenway Network Map also shows the location of a proposed bike route that navigates a number of Borough streets, through parks and along the proposed multi‐use path along the NJDWS water supply line. The Borough should look to prepare a comprehensive Bike Plan that evaluates the suitability of proposed Borough streets for bicycling, and which recommends specific treatments (bike lanes, sharrows, traffic calming, signage, etc.) for each segment. The Plan should focus on connecting destinations (parks, schools, civic uses, shopping) and on creating a network that is appropriate for recreational cyclists, as well as bicycle commuters. Ensuring that convenient and adequate bicycle parking is available should also be part of the analysis.

The bike route and bike facility planning should be coordinated with the efforts of Passaic County, and with those of bordering Morris County and Bergen County. Passaic County, for example, is preparing a new 2011 Transportation Master Plan Element, which includes priority bicycle and pedestrian route mapping and sets a number of bicycle and pedestrian plan goals. Passaic County’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Priority Route Mapping 88

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Passaic County’s Bike Parking Facilities at Parks & Schools Complete Streets Map Location Bike Racks Total Spaces Pacifico Gallo Park 1 29 Veteran’s‐Murrin Park 0 0 Carlough Field 0 0 Hershfield Park 3 89 Stiles Park 1 87 Willow Field Complex 1 26 Lakeside Park 1 30 Lincoln School 2 138 Lenox School 2 140 PL High School 1 48 Pompton Lakes Library 1 30 Total 13 617 Inventoried by E. Merrill, Environmental Officer, Sept. 2010

The County’s Plan also designates “Complete Streets” throughout the County. According to the Transportation Plan, “Complete Streets are streets designed for all users, all modes and all ability levels. They balance the needs of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit vehicles and goods movement based on the roadway context.”

Regional Connections

Morris Canal Greenway (Passaic County)

The Passaic County Planning Department is working to create a contiguous recreational trail along the historical route of the Morris Canal in Passaic County. The trail would allow for just over 25 miles of hiking, biking, and walking along a path that closely follows the original alignment of the Morris Canal and Pompton Feeder, wherever feasible. The proposed trail starts in Pompton Lakes and ends in Clifton, passing through portions of Wayne, Little Falls, Totowa, Paterson, and Woodland Park.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

A Morris Canal Greenway Feasibility Study was prepared in June 2011 by the Passaic County Planning Department. The Morris Canal Greenway would create a linkage from the proposed Pequannock‐Ramapo Riverwalk to points south of Pompton Lakes. Pompton Lakes could promote this terminus as an opportunity for tourism and economic development. A Ramapo River linear park, for example, could be a resting area or meet up area that caters to travelers needs‐ with food vendors or a general store.

NYS&W Bicycle and Pedestrian Path (Morris County)

The NYS&W Bicycle and Pedestrian Path will be a 4.8 mile shared use path located primarily along the existing NYS&W railroad beginning at River Drive in Pequannock and ending at the Mountain View Train Station in Wayne. The path will be located adjacent to the existing tracks (Rail‐with‐Trail), which are inactive. The path crosses over the Norfolk Southern tracks at its southern terminus, which experiences minimal activity.

The proposed path facility will provide an exceptional transportation and recreational facility that will link visitors, residents, and commuters in the region with area schools, libraries, parks, neighborhoods, businesses, and transit services along the corridor. The trail will encourage non‐motorized access to area destinations along the path, including the Mountain View Train Station, which is served directly by the trail. The trail is in the final design phase. Federal funding has been secured in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for engineering, Right of Way acquisition, and construction. Map 8 below shows how a pedestrian bridge over the Pequannock River from the Folari Tract could connect Pompton Lakes to the NYS&W Path.

Waterway Connections

Three Rivers Aquatic Trail

The Three Rivers Trail is a recreational boating route of approximately 3 miles along sections of the Pequannock River, Ramapo River and Pompton River. The River Trail wraps along the southern portion of the Borough, crossing into Riverdale Borough, Pequannock Township and Wayne Township, and is maintained by the Pequannock River Coalition. There are three access points where boaters can park and launch— (1) Freedom Park in Riverdale, (2) Joe Grill Field in Pompton Lakes and (3) Stiles Park in Pompton Lakes. The entire route runs from Freedom Park to Stiles Park. There are several marked rest stops along the route. Pompton Lakes could promote the Three Rivers Aquatic Trail as part of an overall natural recreation initiative in the Borough.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan Map 8: Trails & Greenway Network – Existing & Proposed

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Map 9: Trail Type and Status

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Chapter 6. Maintenance

Having successfully acquired multiple properties for open space and recreation purposes since the 2003 Plan (i.e., Sherman, Finebloom and Follari tracts), much of Pompton Lakes’ focus in the future will be on maintaining its extensive open space network and related facilities.

The agency responsible for the maintenance of Pompton Lakes’ park and recreation network is the Department of Public Works (DPW). The Board of Education (BOE) is responsible for the maintenance of school properties under its ownership, as well as other properties for which the BOE has lease agreements. In some cases, such as the bird sanctuary at Beacon Hill, another organization will be responsible for maintenance (Audubon Society). Private property owners are responsible for the maintenance of their properties.

The maintenance of existing resources consists of regular upkeep, repairs and restoration, and improvements that will maximize or improve utilization of existing facilities. The main causes of problems are typically related to weather hazards, growth and changes in vegetation, and vandalism. Among others, maintenance objectives include:

 Repair or replace unsafe or inaccessible play equipment  Repair athletic fields after storm events or from normal wear and tear  Add lights and other amenities and improve drainage, where necessary  Manage parking at the facilities  Regularly resurface basketball and tennis courts  Regularly maintain and restore park landscaping

While the DPW and BOE are responsible for the major “bricks and mortar” maintenance of Borough parks, the athletic organizations that use the various fields and venues often take responsibility for general clean up and maintenance.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

The Pompton Lakes and Riverdale Youth Organization (PLRYO), for example, maintains Carlough Field, where it holds many of its games.

Some of the pressing issues Another major issue that threatens Borough open space is invasive species and currently impacting the quality the protection of biodiversity. It is important that park maintenance personnel of the Borough’s parks include- and volunteers are able to recognize the presence of invasive species and  Vegetation overgrowth address it properly.  Vines  Tree removal Involving volunteers–whether environmental or social clubs, local organizations, sports groups, youth clubs, religious groups, residents, businesses and the wider  Invasive species (Asian long horn beetle) community— is a great way to ensure park maintenance. For example, residents  Clean up after major and businesses can form “adopt a park” or “friends of the park” groups to flooding events perform periodic maintenance and monitoring, as well as to conduct fundraising, educate and promote the use of park. Pompton Lakes should look to employ the assistance of these groups and others (Boy Scout Troops) to assist with this undertaking.

As previously mentioned, a comprehensive Trails and Greenway Plan should be prepared to assess the feasibility and plan for the design and construction of a trail network in Pompton Lakes that connects to the region’s trail assets. The plan should provide a framework for monitoring and maintenance of the trail network‐ including the frequency of various maintenance tasks, quality standards, responsible parties and estimated costs.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Chapter 7. Action Program

Decision-Making Considerations

Decision‐making related to open space and recreation preservation requires many inputs.

As a first step, and as provided in this OSRP, natural resources need to be identified and mapped to show the locations of critical resource areas, environmentally sensitive areas, and potential greenway corridors that need protecting. Similarly, the identification and mapping of recreation space enables an understanding of where access to such facilities, and what types of facilities, may be lacking. Armed with this inventory, the Borough can establish next action steps for property acquisition, programming, maintenance, or other objectives.

Beyond the research, environmental analysis, and mapping process, there are other critical inputs and considerations in determining next steps for implementation. Some of the many considerations include:

 Community and stakeholder involvement. Neighborhood residents, athletic leagues, school children and parents, advocacy groups, and others can inform and influence the decision‐making process by way of public meetings, resident surveys, committee member participation, etc., and let Borough Officials know their needs, concerns and priorities.

 Timing. Sometimes, timing is everything‐ especially when it comes to land availability and market conditions. A piece of land that is suddenly up for sale or an opportunity for a valuable acquisition, may re‐shuffle priorities. The sudden need for equipment repair can also be a good time to implement a larger‐scale investment or improvement at a particular site that may not have originally been seen as a top priority.

 Budget. Budget availability dictates most decisions related to open space and recreation planning and implementation. (In a time of across the board budget constraints, citizen groups and non‐profit organizations can be especially useful in getting projects going‐ whether purchasing land for a playground or cultivating vacant land into a community garden.)

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

 Municipal objectives or trends. A particular municipal focus, such to enhance overall sustainability, improve community health and wellness (i.e., reducing obesity or health care costs), reduce impervious surface and flooding impacts, improve air quality, or other directive, will influence municipal decisions.

 Policy & regulatory direction. Policy objectives from a municipal Master Plan (including this document) and zoning ordinance regulations (such as “payment in lieu of open space” requirements) affect land development decisions. Zoning controls and environmental regulations are critical open space tools.

Preservation Tools

The following describes various “tools” for preserving parks and open space

Open Space Zoning – This is essentially large lot zoning where subdivisions area required to dedicate a significant portion of their unconstrained land to permanent open space uses for protecting forests, habitat, historic sites, and scenic views. The open space is typically owned and managed (according to an approved management plan) by a homeowner association, land trust, or the municipality. The number of dwellings permitted is based on the net acreage of buildable land and the underlying density in the zoning district (i.e., 5‐Acre Lots). Easements are then placed on the open space to ensure that it will not be further subdivided or developed. This tool is used for the Borough’s R‐1, Environmentally NJDEP - Green Acres: Sensitive District. This 2012 OSRP was developed according to the Green Acres “Open Space Zoning Overlay – An overlay zoning district applies regulations to and are in and Recreation Plan addition to and superseding the requirements of the underlying zoning Guidelines for participation in Green district(s). Such a district may recognize unique features, either natural or man‐ Acres Planning Incentive made, requiring special attention, or may facilitate development of a special Program.” The guidelines outline the OSRP items needed character, such as a River Protection Overlay. to participate in the Green Acres Planning Incentive (PI)” funding category. Fee Simple Acquisition – The acquisition of land by a municipality or any governmental agency for the purpose of preservation of open space and natural The PI category awards 50% matching grants to local areas. Acquisition provides a more permanent long‐term protection of open governments to preserve lands space and natural areas than through other methods such as zoning or identified in the OSRP for recreation and conservation subdivision requirements. Communities, non‐profit groups and land trusts can purposes. acquire property as well, minimizing the burden to local governments. The In addition to collecting an acquisition of flood‐prone properties through NJDEP’s Blue Acres program, Open Space Tax, local governments must have a FEMA Buy‐Out programs, and ACOE programs, has been a top priority for Green Acres approved OSRP Pompton Lakes. Grant funding for acquisition, such as through NJDEP’s Green to be eligible for PI funding. Acres, also assists in minimizing the Borough’s financial burden.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Open Space Tax – In NJ, municipalities may assess a tax, approved by voter Open Space Tax: referendum, as a stable source of funding for open space preservation. Pursuant to NJSA 40:12- 15.7d, an open space tax Conservation Easements – Some non‐profit organizations, such as conservancies can be used for: and land trusts, provide financial support for purchasing easements from - Acquisition of lands for landowners; they also accept tax‐deductible donations of easements from recreation or conservation landowners. - Development or maintenance of lands Site Plan and Subdivision Requirements – These standards can require acquired for recreation or conservation developers to dedicate land suitable for parks, open space, playgrounds, the - Acquisition of farmland construction of recreational facilities, or the payment in lieu of open space fees. - Presevation and Such dedications and/or agreements serve the future population and protect acquiisiotn of sensitive areas such as steep slopes, floodplains or special scenic areas. properties for historic preservation Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) ‐‐ The Highlands Regional Master Plan - Paymemnt of debt service for any of the (RMP) establishes a Transfer of Development Rights program for the region. If above. conforming to the RMP, all lands within Pompton Lakes (except the Existing The Garden State Trust Community Zone and approved Highlands Redevelopment Areas), are eligible to Fund Act enables municipaltiies to use an serve as “sending zones.” As a sending zone, property owners are essentially alternative source of funding paid to have their development “rights” restricted. These development for acquisition, so long as it is stable and equivalent to “credits” can be sold to developers looking for additional development density in an open space tax of at least voluntary “receiving zones.” The Borough could evaluate the potential for 1 cent per $100 of assessed value for a 10 year period. participating as a sending or receiving zone, without necessarily seeking conformance with the RMP.

The Action Step Strategies Community driven efforts ‐‐ Volunteers and community members can create are organized within the parks and recreation areas. The National Park Service provides a “toolbox” that following topics: offers guidance on how volunteers can get started with a program in their own A. Conservation neighborhood. http://www.nps.gov/nero/rtcatoolbox/ B. Parks & Recreation Facilities Action Plan C. Trails & Greenways D. Programs & Events The table that follows presents a variety of implementation strategies and next‐ E. Community step actions for achieving the vision, goals, concepts and recommendations Involvement throughout the Plan. The strategies are intended to provide guidance to F. Marketing, Promotion municipal leaders, the Open Space Committee, local organizations and residents & Education to track progress on meeting Borough goals. They should be reviewed annually G. Funding & Fundraising in order to assist in the budgeting process. Certainly, priorities identified here may change as new funding sources are identified or as public support for a H. Management & particular project changes. New actions and strategies should be added to each Administration topic as opportunities or needs arise.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Action Plan Pompton Lakes Open Space & Recreation Plan

Strategy / Time Action Item Mechanism / Notes/Comments/Status Frame Next Step A CONSERVATION

Develop a plan for future potential acquisitions identified 1 Acquisition Plan Short in the Plan, assessing priority, cost, timeframe, etc.

Acquisition / Work on ridgeline & view protection of the Ramapo 2 Easement / Short Mountain ridges. Ordinance Integrate a proactive Floodplain Management program 3 Master Plan Medium with the OSRP and Master Plan process. Assess land for potential acquisition in Tier 1 Wellhead 4 Acquisition Long Protection Areas.

Prepare a Historic Preservation Plan Element with a Historic 5 detailed Historic and Archeological resources inventory Preservation Medium (photographic, descriptive and mapped.) Plan

Update the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) with 6 NRI Update Medium current available GIS mapping

Explore the potential for alternative energy installation Establish a 7 Long and a learning center within the DuPont tract. committee

Consider a Conservation Overlay Zoning that protects 8 Zoning Short sensitive features from development. Interpretive Boardwalks ‐‐ Evaluate potential to install 9 Research Medium boardwalks in wetland areas.

Wildlife features ‐‐ Consider installing additional wildlife 10 Research Short habitat devices (i.e., nesting boxes) in wetland areas.

B PARK & RECREATION FACILITIES Initiate DuPont 1 Rehabilitate DuPont Soccer Field. & Borough Short discussions

2 Assess popularity and need for skate park. Conduct survey Short

Assess CRS, Consider areas for active park potential acquisition; all Blue Acres, 3 proposed potential acquisition properties in the Plan are Foreclosures, Long either for Conservation or Passive Park use. vacant properties

4 Determine location for dog park(s). Conduct survey Short

Assess popularity for "eco‐park" or natural park‐ places 5 for children of all abilities to interact and engage with Conduct survey Short nature as they play (earthplay.net). Assess the need and feasibility for water features at 6 parks, including play equipment that sprays water for Conduct survey Short children to cool down in the summer months.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Strategy / Time Action Item Mechanism / Notes/Comments/Status Frame Next Step Determine Develop a park that caters to the Borough's senior location and 7 citizens (with reading area, game tables, gardening, etc.) Short meet with in close proximity to senior housing. seniors

Assess the need and feasibility for installing fitness 8 Conduct survey Medium equipment at a park or along a proposed greenway.

Develop 9 Develop a playground / mini‐park at Craig Place Corner. Short concept Assess CRS, Determine potential locations for mini‐parks within Blue Acres, neighborhoods not currently served by a park in walking 10 Foreclosures, Medium distance (i.e., seniors on Lakeside, apartments on vacant Paterson‐Hamburg Tpk., DuPont Village, etc.). properties Develop Ventimiglia West for ball fields and soccer field 11 Locate funding Short and potentially a dog run.

12 Develop Ventimiglia East for soccer use. Locate funding Short

Assess feasibility of installing two additional tennis courts Engineering 13 at Hershfield Park, which would be needed for Medium Study & Plan tournament play.

Develop a pedestrian bridge over the Pequannock River Feasibility 14 Medium over the area used by the former vehicle bridge. Study

On‐going 15 Improve lake water conditions for swimming. Long remediation Feasibility 16 Conduct a swimming pool feasibility study. Medium Study & Survey Determine adequacy of bicycle parking at parks and 17 Bike Plan Short schools and add racks as needed.

Conduct a Park and Recreation Level of Service (LOS) Analysis to track whether current and future facilities will 18 Conduct LOS Medium meet estimated levels of demand, for each type of recreation facility or service in the Borough. C TRAILS & GREENWAYS Establish a Establishes routes, recommended treatments and Greenway implementation plans for the entire on‐road and off‐road Committee to 1 system of greenway linkages. Adopt a Trails & spearhead a Medium Greenways Master Plan and Green Infrastructure Trails & requirements that will guide future development. Greenways Master Plan Ramapo Rive Blue Acres ‐‐ Plan linear river‐walk park Linear Park on Blue Acres properties with connections to 2 Concepts, Medium surrounding open space; Acquire remaining properties Acquisitions through Blue Acres.

Pompton Lakes Sustainable Open Space and Recreation Plan

Strategy / Time Action Item Mechanism / Notes/Comments/Status Frame Next Step

Pequannock‐Ramapo Riverwalk ‐‐ Plan riverwalk route Trails & (surface types for each segment), infrastructure 3 Greenways Medium (riparian stabilization, pedestrian bridges, etc.) and Master Plan treatments (signage, trail features, etc.) along route.

Downtown Wanaque Riverwalk & Park ‐‐ Develop a Downtown true Redevelopment Plan for the downtown area that Redevelopment includes the riverwalk and park concept as provided in 4 Plan with Long the Downtown Vision Plan; Utilize Redevelopment or Riverwalk Rehabilitation (and possibly TDR) as the implementing Concept mechanisms and reach out to potential developers. Wanaque Riverwalk ‐‐ For the area south of Trails & downtown, develop a riverwalk that connects the 5 Greenways Medium downtown riverwalk to the Pequannock‐Ramapo Master Plan Riverwalk. Ridge Hike Wanaque Valley ‐‐ Assess the feasibility of formalizing a trail that runs from the Gabrellian Tract, Trails & 6 north to Wanaque Borough, along the ridge of the Greenways Medium Wanaque Valley. Create a linkage to the Ramapo State Master Plan Park trails. Trails & Ramapo State Park ‐‐ Improve bicycle and pedestrian 7 Greenways Short access to the Ramapo State Park trails. Master Plan

Bicycle Network ‐‐ Evaluate prospective routes using a Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) program; Prepare Bike 8 Medium recommended bicycle treatments for each segment; Plan Promote bicycling and provide education and training.

Access Pipeline ‐‐ Contact owners of pipeline tracts for access 9 Agreements, Medium agreements for multi‐use trail. Easements Historic Walking Tours ‐‐ Create educational signage and audio Preservation 10 narratives available for download (i.e., mp3) for self‐ Short Plan / Trails & guided historic walking tours around the Borough. Greenway D PROGRAMS & EVENTS Develop self‐guided Historic Walking Tours, with maps Develop 1 Medium and downloadable audio descriptions. program Provide regular bicycle riding and maintenance training Develop 2 Short sessions. program

Organize annual walking and bicycling tours to promote Develop 3 Short alternative means of transportation and exercise. program

Organize field days, where all residents get out and enjoy Develop 4 their local park and can use the opportunity to provide Short program feedback to a park "ambassador."

Organize an annual Maintain a Trail Day for residents to Develop 5 Short help with trail maintenance. program

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Strategy / Time Action Item Mechanism / Notes/Comments/Status Frame Next Step E COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Offer survey questions and feedback forms online for Develop Online 1 residents to post about park and recreation needs or Short Content requests. Develop and disseminate a Borough‐wide survey to Collect sample 2 determine facilities that are in high demand or needed surveys and Medium and to direct future spending decisions. prepare Develop a formal public process for park development or Establish by 3 rehabilitation, which includes opportunity for public Medium Ordinance comment prior to park construction. Develop 4 Establish "Friends of the Park" programs. Long program Develop and manage an Adopt‐a‐Trail program to Develop 5 organize the maintenance of trail segments by local Long program organizations and businesses. Assign 6 Enlist volunteers for regular trail maintenance. Committee Short Member F MARKETING, PROMOTION & EDUCATION Develop a logo that can be installed on all future trail Hold a contest 1 Short signs‐ for on‐road and off‐road use. to select logo

Develop an interactive map for the Borough's website Develop Online 2 that shows the location of and information about park Medium Content and recreation areas, walking trails, aquatic trails, etc.

Assign Distribute periodic press releases on open space and 3 Committee Short recreation efforts. Member Create promotional materials that highlight the Develop Online 4 Borough's water recreation features that make it a and Print Medium destination for water sports and leisure. Content Improve the Parks and Recreation Department website Develop Online 5 Short to provide more information on facilities. Content Create a master list of volunteers, volunteer groups and 6 Outreach Short potential volunteer services provided. Develop Provide training to groups interested in volunteer trail 7 training Short maintenance. program G FUNDING & FUNDRAISING Plan out yearly Develop fundraising programs and special events to 1 fundraising Medium support trails and greenway development. schedule Sell "stepping stones" or bricks for parks or trails that Develop 2 funders could have engraved with names, a special Short program saying, dedication, poem, etc. Explore the potential for Transfer of Development Rights TDR Program (TDR) to simultaneously preserve open space areas and 3 (Highlands TDR Long promote denser development in the downtown or Program) gateway areas.

4 Develop an endowment program. Research Long

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Strategy / Time Action Item Mechanism / Notes/Comments/Status Frame Next Step Database & Develop a database system to regularly explore and track Assign 5 when funding opportunities become available through Short Committee state, federal and private organizations. Member H MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION Adopt this Open Space and Recreation Plan as an Adopted: 1 Plan Adoption Complete! Element of the Borough's Master Plan. November 20, 2012 Assign Annually update the Existing Open Space and Recreation 2 Committee Continuous Inventory Maps developed as part of this Plan. Member

Develop a system for tracking the usage of the Borough's Develop Medium 3 recreation programs (PAL, PLRLL, PLRSL, PLRYO, & BOE). Database

Establish a database or to catalog information about and Develop 4 track the maintenance of all Borough Park and Medium Database Recreation facilities. Develop 5 Develop a trail maintenance tracking system. Medium Database Assign Create a Committee liaison with the DPW and BOE to 6 Committee Short regularly discuss park issues and plans. Member

Evaluate using NRPA's "PRORAGIS" ‐ an online database 7 that collects, compiles, and reports park and recreation Research Medium department operating and geographic information.

Stay informed of NRPA's progress in creating consistent 8 GIS guidelines for local governments to manage parks, Research Continuous trails and recreational facilities.

We can tie this country together with threads of green that everywhere grant us access to the natural world. —PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION ON AMERICANS OUTDOORS, Americans and the Outdoors, 1987 

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Appendix A. Open Space & Recreation Inventory by Map ID

MAP GIS ID Name Owner Block(s) - Lot(s) Type Acres 1 Sherman Tract Municipal 11300:1 Conservation 5.25 2 Riverside Drive Lots Municipal 11300:2-7 Active 1.35 3 Willow Ave Sports Complex Municipal 11200:1,3,5 Active 1.19 4 Willow Ave Sports Complex Municipal 11300:12,13 Active 0.59 5 Feinbloom Tract Municipal 11300:8 (partial) Conservation 13.90 6 Follari Tract East State 11300: 10, 37 Conservation 7.09 7 Pequannock River Parcels County 11301:1 Conservation 0.13 8 Pequannock River Parcels County 11308:1 Conservation 0.07 9 Pequannock River Parcels County 11308:11 Conservation 0.11 10 Pequannock River Parcels Municipal 11308:30 Conservation 0.11 11 Pequannock River Parcels Municipal 11308:33 Conservation 0.08 12 Pequannock River Parcels Municipal 11308:34 Conservation 0.14 13 Pequannock River Parcels Municipal 11307:40 Conservation 0.19 14 Pequannock River Parcels Municipal 11306:6 Conservation 0.12 15 Pequannock River Parcels Municipal 11302:7 Conservation 0.18 16 Pequannock River Parcels State 11306:11 Conservation 0.05 17 Pequannock River Parcels Municipal 11306:17 Conservation 0.05 18 Pequannock River Parcels Municipal 11306:18 Conservation 0.07 19 Follari Tract State Various Conservation 20.88 20 Pequannock River Parcels Potential Acq. 11308:60 Conservation 0.06 21 Pequannock River Parcels Potential Acq. 11308:61 Conservation 0.11 22 Pequannock River Parcels Municipal 11300:34 Conservation 0.64 23 Riverdale Boulevard Property Municipal 12300:1 Utilities 0.23 24 Aquatic Park County 9509:6 Passive 14.30 25 Ventimiglia West Municipal 9509:3 (partial) Conservation 10.00 26 WGHT Tower Private 9509:7 Utilities 5.12 27 Water Treatment Plant Municipal 9509:8 Utilities 6.63 28 Ventimiglia East Municipal 9511:3 Active 2.78 29 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Municipal 12200:83 Active 0.83 30 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway State 12200:97 Active 0.50 31 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway State 12200:97,113,116,118,122,127,132,134,138 Conservation 2.30 32 Woods Road Tracts Municipal 12300:2 Conservation 0.52 33 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway State 12200:93 Active 0.36 34 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Municipal 12200:103 Active 0.16 35 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Potential Acq. 12200:105 Conservation 0.24 36 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Potential Acq. 12200:108 Conservation 0.26 37 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Potential Acq. 12200:111 Conservation 0.23 38 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Potential Acq. 12200:126 Conservation 0.22 39 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway State 12200:129 Conservation 0.37 40 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Potential Acq. 12200:136 Conservation 0.31 41 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Municipal 9520:12, 14 Conservation 0.26 42 Stiles Park Municipal 9520:8,9,10 Active 0.50 43 Aquatic Park Extension Municipal 9509:144 Conservation 0.30 44 Aquatic Park Extension Municipal 9509:142 Conservation 0.20

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MAP GIS ID Name Owner Block(s) - Lot(s) Type Acres 45 Aquatic Park Extension Potential Acq. 9509:141 Conservation 0.22 46 Aquatic Park Extension Potential Acq. 9509:143 Conservation 0.23 47 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway State 9520:5-7 Conservation 0.49 48 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Potential Acq. 9520:4 Conservation 0.19 49 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway State 9520:3 Conservation 0.21 50 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway Potential Acq. 9520:2 Conservation 0.25 51 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway State 9519:42,43 Passive 0.70 52 Mathes Avenue Woodlands Municipal 9100:1,6 and 9519:18 Conservation 11.82 53 School Grounds BOE 6600:5 (partial) School 3.61 54 Lakeside Park Municipal 6600:1 Active 1.38 55 Veterans Memorial/Schuyler Pk Municipal 5001:1 Passive 0.32 56 Elks Lodge Private 4600:17 Active 4.53 57 Lakeside Area Potential Acq. 4600:17.01 Passive 3.93 58 Ramapo State Park State 100:2 Passive 125.90 59 DuPont Wanaque Valley East Potential Acq. 100:3 (partial) Passive 38.43 60 DuPont Wanaque Valley West Potential Acq. 100:6.01, 7 Passive 53.54 61 Pacifico-Gallo Park Municipal 1301:5,5.01 Active 1.24 62 DuPont Field Private 100:3 (partial) Active 3.51 63 High School Fields BOE 6300:20 (partial) School 3.47 64 Wanaque Frontage Municipal 3000:30.2 (partial) Conservation 0.37 65 Wanaque Frontage Municipal 3000:38 (partial) Conservation 0.06 66 Wanaque Frontage Municipal 3000:39 (partial) Conservation 0.43 67 Wanaque Frontage Potential Acq. 2905:11 Conservation 3.20 68 Wanaque Frontage Potential Acq. 2905:11.03 Conservation 1.83 69 Wilderness Island Park Municipal 7600:1 Passive 2.94 70 Wilderness Island South Potential Acq. 7700:1 Passive 1.14 71 Old Swimming Hole Municipal 8000:1,8002:24.01 Conservation 10.36 72 Snake Island Municipal 7806:13 (partial) Passive 0.52 73 Snodgrass Park Municipal 8700:16 Active 6.16 74 High School Football Field BOE 8706:1,4 (partial) School 4.57 75 Hershfield Park Municipal 8706:2,4 (partial) Active 9.57 76 Garden Park Municipal 7806:36 (partial) Passive 1.46 77 Murrin Park Municipal 7806:29 (partial) Passive 1.63 78 Island / Undetermined Municipal 7900:1 Conservation 1.09 79 Carlough Field Municipal 7806:46, 47.01 Active 7.75 80 Pequannock River Strip Municipal 10500:1,1.01 Conservation 0.43 81 Willow Ave Sports Complex Municipal 10600:3,10700:13,11000:1,11100:1 Active 5.75 82 Undetermined State 10600:1 Conservation 0.32 83 Undetermined State 10300:1 Conservation 0.24 84 Ramapo Riverway Potential Acq. 9520:11.1 Conservation 0.28 85 Ramapo Riverway Potential Acq. 9520:11 Conservation 0.27 86 Breen's Pond Municipal 7806:24 Conservation 1.12 87 Wanaque Riverbank Municipal 7806:50 Conservation 0.44 88 Willow Ave Sports Complex Municipal 11200:4 Active 0.71 89 DuPont North Strip Potential Acq. 100:3 (partial) Conservation 3.96 90 Twin Lake Municipal 900:20 Lake 4.99

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MAP GIS ID Name Owner Block(s) - Lot(s) Type Acres 91 Gabrellian Tract Municipal 100:6,9 Conservation 10.22 92 Pompton Lake Bottom Municipal 12600:1 (partial) Lake 114.61 93 Pompton Lake Island Municipal 12600:2 Conservation 0.74 94 Ramapo Blue Acres Riverway State 9520:10 Conservation 0.38 95 Lakeside Strip Municipal 6600:2 (partial) Conservation 0.31 96 Lakeside Strips Potential Acq. 6600:2 (partial) Conservation 0.28 97 Ventimiglia West Municipal 9509:3 (partial) Active 1.84 98 Water Tower Municipal 6702:46 Utilities 2.61 99 DuPont Square Municipal None Passive 0.08 100 Pipeline Potential Acq. Various Utilities 15.67 101 Wanaque Frontage Municipal 2904:16.01 Conservation 0.21 102 Beacon Hill Easement 6702:31 (partial) Conservation 1.59 103 Beacon Hill Bird Sanctuary Easement 6702:31.01 (partial) Conservation 2.80 104 Aquatic Park Islands County None Passive 2.18 105 Lambert Street Lot Municipal 5800:31 Passive 0.18 106 Wanaque Frontage Municipal None Conservation 0.32 107 Craig Place Corner Municipal 10100:10 Passive 0.07 108 Disbrow Property Municipal 5300:1 Passive 0.13 109 Rotary Park Municipal 6600:5 (partial) Passive 1.62 110 Federal Park Municipal None Passive 0.13 111 Firemans Memorial /Cahill Park Municipal None Passive 0.02 112 Krom Park Municipal None Passive 0.32 113 Kaba Tract Potential Acq. 7801:39.01 (partial) Conservation 1.97 114 NYS&W RR Tracks/Pipeline Potential Acq. 12500:1.01 Utilities 3.77 115 JCP&L Co TT Tracks/Pipeline Potential Acq. 12500:1 Utilities 4.34 116 Willow Ave Sports Complex Municipal 11300:8 (partial) Active 6.19 117 Twin Lake (dry land) Private 1300:1.01 Conservation 0.53 118 Lincoln Ave. Elementary School BOE 9001:18 School 1.47 119 Pump House Municipal 9511:1 Utilities 0.27

Notes: ‐ The Map ID refers to the identified property on the Southern, Central and Northern Sector maps in the Plan

‐ The Acres is based on the acres calculated within the GIS program. (This figure was used since the Borough’s tax maps and tax property databases often conflict, and in many cases, improperly list acreages; also, many properties are partial tax lots or contain portions tax lots. A consistent form of calculation was required.)

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