Park Watch Program at Washington Valley Park

 

The Somerset County Park Commission has announced the formation of a “Park Watch Program” at Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater Township. The initiative is intended to support the efforts of the Commission’s Park Rangers and local and county law enforcement officers, help assure a safe and comfortable environment for visitors, and protect the natural resources of the park.

 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington Valley Park usage has increased dramatically, and, regrettably, we have seen some abuses of park facilities and a heightened level of poor behavior,” commented Park Commission Director Geoff Soriano. “Thanks to the support of the Bridgewater Township Police Department and Officers from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, the number of violations observed has decreased significantly, and through the efforts of law enforcement and Park Rangers, the park is returning to a safe and secure place for people to hike, mountain bike, and enjoy nature.”

 

Employing the principle of “See Something, Say Something,” those park patrons who are out hiking, biking, paddling or fishing in the park can notify Park Rangers if they notice illicit activity, at which time a Ranger can be dispatched to the designated location.  For non-emergency matters, “Park Watchers” are asked to call the following numbers in the following order:

1.         908 285-3800

2.         908 210-8174 Sun–Wed / 908 256-6491 Wed–Sat

3.         908 297-2239

 

If an emergency situation is encountered, patrons are instructed to contract the Somerset County 911 Communications Center by dialing 911.

 

“If we’ve learned one thing during the difficulties experienced this past summer, it’s that the patrons of Washington Valley Park are thoroughly absorbed and dedicated to the park’s well-being. We emphasize, however, that “Park Watchers” should not to engage those that they observe committing infractions,” continued Soriano. “These citizens simply add more eyes and ears to help our Rangers do their jobs.”

 

Information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities may be found at 

www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

 

Park Foundation Honors Fred Quick

The Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) and the Somerset County Park Foundation (SCPF) unveiled a bench dedicated to long time Park Commissioner and Park Foundation trustee Fred Quick who passed away earlier this year. The bench is located at Mountain View Park in Hillsborough, Quick’s home town.

 

Quick was a member of the Somerset County Park Commission from 1980 to 2007, serving as president from 2005 to 2007. He was a trustee of the Somerset County Park Foundation from 2007 to 2018.

 

The SCPF provides multiple opportunities to recognize deserving individuals and groups. Engraved commemorative bricks can be placed at the grand main entry plaza at TD Bank Ballpark for a fee of  $100. Tribute benches and legacy trees may be placed at locations throughout the county park system for a donation of $2,500. All fees are tax deductible. Information is available by calling the Park Foundation office at 908-722-1200, ext. 5237.

 

Information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities may be found by visiting www.somersetcountyparks.org or calling 908-722-1200.

Rose Garden is One of "Jersey's Best"

The Somerset County Park Commission Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden at Colonial Park (Parking Lot A) in Somerset, New Jersey, has been bestowed another honor, being named one of “6 whimsical N.J. Gardens that feel like a fairy tale brought to life” by www.jerseysbest.com.

 

The Jersey’s Best article noted that now is the perfect time of year to visit the gardens and get some fresh air following the months-long COVID-19 restrictions. When visiting the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden or any of the other noted gardens, it is recommended that state public health guidelines and garden-specific rules be adhered to.

 

The Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden is one-acre in size and contains more than 3,000 roses of 325 varieties. The garden was named in honor of Rudolf W. van der Goot, the first horticulturist with the Somerset County Park Commission, as a tribute to his efforts in designing and developing the garden. The Rose Garden is located in Colonial Parkon Mettlers Road (Parking Lot A) in the East Millstone section of Franklin Township.

 

From late spring through fall, the roses present a kaleidoscope of color, form, and fragrance. Visitors can view popular modern hybrids, species, and various classes of Old Garden Roses. All roses are clearly labeled for easy identification and only roses that thrive in central NJ are kept in the rose collections.

 

The Rose Gardens also earned the 2015 World Federation of Rose Societies' (WFRS) Garden of Excellence Award.

 

The five other gardens recognized by Jersey’s Best are: Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown Township; Duke Farms in Hillsborough; Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills; the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township; and the New Jersey Botanical Gardens at Skylands in Ringwood

EEC Naturalists Offer Virtual Home School Programs

The Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) Environmental Education Center (EEC) Naturalists are offering Virtual Home School Programs, designed to add quality programming to home schooling activities during the COVID-19 pandemic

 

Virtual programs are offered through the SCPC platform. Registration Opens Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. online at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

 

Crayfish Kids for homeschoolers age 5 to 9, is geared to grades K-4. The program will run Wednesdays, September 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 A.M to 11:30 A.M.

 

Each Wednesday EEC Naturalists will lead an hour-long program about the natural world.  It is suggested that the family continue the program with a family walk in a nearby natural area focusing on different topics and themes related to each week’s session.  Program content is guided by the Next Generation Science Standards. Fee is $30 per student for the six session program.

             

Wise Old Owls for homeschoolers age 10 to 14, is geared to grades 5 to 8. The program will run Wednesdays, September 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

 

Each Wednesday EEC Naturalists will lead an hour-long program learning about the natural world.  It is suggested that the family continue the program with a family walk in a nearby natural area focusing on different topics and themes related to each week’s session.  Program content is guided by the Next Generation Science Standards.  Fee is $30 per student for the six session program.

 

For more information contact Kurt Bender at 908 722-1200 Ext. 5332 or kbender@scparks.org

 

Information of Park Commission programs and activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Washington Valley Park Update

The Somerset County Park Commission has announced that it is working closely with the Bridgewater Police Department and the Somerset County Sherriff’s Office to limit vandalism, illegal alcohol consumption and trespassing at Washington Valley Park.  This Somerset County Park is a 720-acre site featuring a 21-acre reservoir, scenic waterfalls, more than seven miles of trails for hikers and bikers, and a hawk watch that is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year.

 

According to Somerset County Park Commission Director-Secretary Geoffrey Soriano, “This summer has been different than in years past.  We have seen illegal swimming and trespassing, illegal drinking, and dumping of garbage and empty beer and liquor bottles. Last month a 37-year old man tragically lost his life when he drowned after jumping into the reservoir.  One of the Park Commission’s responsibilities is to keep our parks clean and safe for the law abiding visitors, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

 

During the course of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Commission’s Park Rangers have witnessed a myriad of violations—well above and beyond the number typically experienced—within the confines of Washington Valley Park and predominantly in or in the immediate vicinity of the waterways and bodies of water that comprise the reservoir and the East and West Branches of Middle Brook.   It has never been intended that Washington Valley Park would to be utilized as a “destination point” for “beach-goers” to engage in activities that are in direct violation of the Park Commission’s rules and regulations. According to Soriano, “illegal activities are interfering with the legal enjoyment of the park”.

 

As a result and on a nearly daily basis, Park Rangers have had to call upon officers from the Bridgewater Township Police Department to undertake enforcement efforts to properly address the violations.  These enforcement efforts, the need to clean piles of trash left behind, the resulting degradation of Washington Valley Park, and the adverse impacts to the neighboring property owners (noise pollution, potential forest fires, instances of trespass, and continued harassment) caused the Park Commission to consider taking action to authorize the designation of certain areas in Washington Valley Park to be restricted from public access.  At an August 7, 2020 emergency meeting of the Park Commission, a plan was developed to enlist the services of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office to initiate a focused enforcement effort.  The August 7^th meeting was essentially adjourned and carried to Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. 

 

Sheriff’s Officers patrolled Washington Valley Park this past weekend, and officers will continue to patrol the park for the foreseeable future.  Sheriff’s Officers are prepared to issue summons-complaints for violations including trespass, swimming, possession of alcohol, and illegal parking.

 

 As a result of these enforcement efforts, the Park Commission has suspended its consideration of the proposal to designate restricted areas in Washington Valley Park.  As such, the continuation of emergency meeting has been canceled by the Park Commission.  The Commission will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to increase enforcement of rules and local laws in this park.

 

The Park Commission wishes to express its great gratitude to Somerset County Sheriff Darrin Russo and the Sheriff’s Officers of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office for their enforcement initiative this past weekend as well as their future enforcement efforts.  In addition, the Commission recognizes the valuable assistance supplied by Chief Paul Payne and officers from the Bridgewater Township Police Department. 

 

The Commission’s Secretary-Director recognizes the many emails and telephone calls from valued park patrons who rightfully utilize Washington Valley Park and who have expressed genuine concern that access to this facility would be restricted.

 

The Park Commission is committed to protecting all of its parks and facilities to ensure that those individuals who use, enjoy, and respect them can continue to do so.   With continued assistance from local and county law enforcement, the Park Commission will continue to welcome visitors who desire to avail themselves of these really special places—especially during the instant pandemic. 

 

The Somerset County Park Commission encourages all who visit Somerset County parks to visit safely and respect and preserve their natural beauty by:

Observing “No Trespassing” and “No Swimming” signs and staying out

of designated restricted or dangerous areas;

            Carrying out whatever may have been carried in;

Utilizing re-usable water bottles;

Ensuring that alcoholic beverages, grills, and glass bottles remain at home

            and not in the parks. 

 

Information of Park Commission programs and activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Lord Stirling Stable Update

In operation for more than five decades, Lord Stirling Stable, located in the Baking Ridge Section of Bernards Township, has offered a variety of riding activities for riders of most ages and skill levels.  The Stable is one of the many jewels in the park system stewarded by the Somerset County Park Commission and funded in large measure by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders. 

 

The Park Commission and the Freeholder Board have recently been made aware of and wish to dispel a myriad of rumors relating to Lord Stirling Stable.  First and foremost, a decision has never been made to close the Stable permanently.  As explained in more detail below, the programmatic components of the Stable were suspended in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.  In addition, there is neither a plan in place nor has any consideration been given to selling the Lord Stirling property to any third party—including, most notably, a developer. 

 

Finally, the Park Commission and Freeholders continue to work to achieve their mutual intention to reopen the Stable in some fashion that makes sound fiscal sense.  It is unequivocally agreed that the presence of horses in the Stable’s pastures is a securely knit fabric which has facilitated the establishment of Somerset County’s exemplary quality of life. 

 

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and the resulting mandated restrictions to ensure the safety of both staff members and the public have had a very profound impact on the Somerset County Park Commission—the entirety of the Commission and not just the Lord Stirling Stable.  Park Commissioners, senior management and staff have been forced to make some very difficult decisions over the last four months.  Facilities were closed and programming was cancelled in order to either comply with Governor Murphy’s many Executive Orders or endeavor to ensure the financial survival of the Park Commission for the balance of 2020.  The hiring of seasonal and part-time employees has been necessarily constrained.  The cessation or constriction of the Commission’s business has had an extreme effect on the financial well-being of the Park Commission, and the loss of revenue experienced will, no doubt, result in long lasting aftereffects.

 

To help alleviate the financial burden that the Stable presented when the pandemic began, the number of lesson horses in the herd was reduced and staffing was cut to the minimum possible.  Despite those measures and the day-to-day effort of the Stable’s Management and staff to reduce costs, the expenses at the Stable continue to be substantial and the deficit continues to increase. The difficult decision to disperse the remainder of the lesson herd was made.  Financially there was no other option.   

 

The plan at Lord Stirling Stable as is the plan at many of the Commission’s other facilities is to “hibernate” for the balance of 2020.  Frankly, since the Stable consistently operates at a significant loss, the Commission cannot afford to do much else.  The plan has never been to close the Stable permanently.  Rather, there has been a suspension of programmatic activity.  Currently, there are 30 horses boarded at Lord Stirling.  And, as the Stable’s loyal ridership knows well, many of those horses were previously a part of the Commission’s lesson herd. 

 

The majority of the property that is Lord Stirling Park (comprised of the Stable and the Commission’s Environmental Education Center) was purchased by Somerset County in 1967 utilizing a combination of funds contributed by the New Jersey Green Acres Program, North Jersey Conservation Foundation (now known as New Jersey Conservation Foundation), and the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

 

Today, the entirety of 1,105 acres that comprise Lord Stirling Park  are listed on Somerset County’s Recreation and Open Space Inventory, and, as such, the property is encumbered by and subject to the N.J. Green Acres rules which are overseen and enforced by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program.   It is rare when a diversion of Green Acres-encumbered parkland occurs, and the process for doing so is exceptionally arduous.  To be certain, however, there is no intention of applying for diversion approval.

 

Finally, since January of this year—before the pandemic hit in March—Park Commission staff and senior management, as well as Park Commissioners and County representatives, have met as a committee in order to explore alternatives to address the financial challenges that the Stable presents.  While one option could be to cease stable operations, the committee quickly and unanimously dismissed same and is now focused on a financially prudent plan of reopening Lord Stirling Stable. 

 

Much like the pandemic itself, the recent events at Lord Stirling Stable are indeed emotional since riders have attachments to the horses, and therefore can be difficult to understand and embrace.  The Freeholder Board and Park Commission are working their very hardest to ensure that a herd of horses will continue to roam Lord Stirling’s pastures and that the Stable’s programmatic component will resume.

 

Information of Park Commission programs and activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Saturday Dog Walkks Return to Lord Stirling Stable

The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable and the Somerset County Park Commission are pleased to announce that weekly Saturday morning Dog Walks on the trails at the Stable will resume on Saturday, July 11, 2020. The Stable is located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ.

 

Check-in time for owners and their pets will begin every Saturday at 9:00 A.M.  The guided trail walk will commence promptly at 9:30 A.M. and last for approximately one hour. 

 

All pets must be leashed and kept under control at all times. These sanctioned Dog Walks offer participants the opportunity to explore the beautiful equestrian trails of Lord Stirling Stable on foot. 

 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders, masks must be worn prior to the start of the walk but are optional on the trails once the walk begins. Social distancing must be maintained at all times.

 

The traditional fee of $3 per dog will be waived at this time and donations are welcome.

For more information, contact Barbara at 908-448-8348 or online at kb2krx@yahoo.com.  For directions, call Lord Stirling Stable at 908-722-1200, ext. 5010.