Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Picnic Arbor Dedicated at Buck Garden


Representatives of the Somerset County Park Commission, the Somerset County Park Foundation, and the Buck Foundation officially dedicated the newly constructed magnificent wooden picnic arbor on the grounds of Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, New Jersey.

Funding for the new public space at one of New Jersey’s premier gardens was made possible by the Somerset County Park Foundation with an additional contribution by the Buck Foundation.

The rustic arbor was constructed by Artisan/Woodworker David Robinson of Natural Edge, Pennington NJ. Robinson, with support of other artisans, also built the rustic garden shelter at Buck Garden in 2002 and hand railings on several bridges and along staircases on the Garden trail.  The wood material used for these projects is red cedar logs and Osage orange wood purchased and cut from local farm field hedgerows.

The arbor was constructed around an existing picnic area with garden beds designed and planted by Buck Garden staff to enhance the visitor experience. 

Mrs. Nancy “Princess” Pyne represented the Buck Family at the recent ribbon cutting. “The Buck Foundation is pleased to be able to continue its support of Buck Garden and to assist in the implementation of the ideas envisioned by my father, Leonard J. Buck as the Garden continues to evolve,” commented Mrs. Pyne
“The Somerset County Park Foundat
ion recognizes the unique of circumstance of having Buck Garden as a featured asset within Somerset County’s park system and is proud to partner with the Buck Foundation to assure the garden’s standing as a valued regional destination,“ added John K. Kitchen, Park Foundation Chairman.

Somerset County Park Commission Manager of Horticulture, Jim Avens said “this magnificent picnic arbor provides the perfect ambience for Buck Garden visitors who wish to picnic while visiting Buck Garden. We are fortunate to have the continuing support of the Somerset County Park Foundation and the Buck Foundation.”  

Information on the Somerset County Park Foundation and Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

East County Loop Trail Opens for Public Use


- Somerset County Freeholder and Park Commission liaison Patricia Walsh has announced that the new loop trail at the 150-acre East County Park, bordered by Dubois, Reinman and Old Stirling roads in Warren Township, is officially open to the public.

The Board of Freeholders, the Warren Township Committee, and the Somerset County Park Commission have developed the facility as a partnership.  Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new trail on September 10.

"The county and township have a history of partnering on the development of athletic fields within the park," Freeholder Walsh said.  “These include a synthetic-turf multi-use field, a synthetic-turf soccer field and a natural-turf soccer field.  The current design adds a network of multi-use trails throughout the park that will connect the existing uses and make more of the park accessible to the public.”

The trail features an 8-foot-wide stone multi-use loop approximately four-tenths of a mile long. Also included is a 26-space paved parking area, accessible from Reinman Road.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with Warren Township to realize the full vision of East County Park," said Freeholder Walsh. "The trail network opens up the most scenic portion of the park to the public and allows for the future development of additional passive recreational uses." 

“It’s very exciting to see this park concept become a reality.  Warren residents have asked the Township Committee to explore further recreational opportunities in the Township,” said Deputy Mayor Mick Marion.  ”Given our past positive experiences working with the County Freeholders and County Park Commission on the Pop Warner Complex and Duderstadt property, it was a natural progression. This area is one of the most picturesque pieces of property in the Township; it represents the Townships rural heritage. The trails will provide a family friendly location designed for the public to enjoy walking, running, biking, or pushing strollers.  After a long tough winter, residents will look forward to and be excited about our late-summer, early-fall opening.”

“We are pleased to have been able to provide new passive recreation opportunities to East County residents,” commented Park Commission Director Ray Brown. “The trail loop is an important addition to a growing park facility.”

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter