Morris County marks 10 years of trail grants, honors Isobel Olcott for decade of service
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County officials marked the 10th anniversary of the Trail Construction Grant Program on Tuesday by honoring Isobel Olcott, a longtime volunteer and original member of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee, during a public meeting in Morristown.
Olcott, who is stepping down from the advisory committee, received a framed Resolution of Honor recognizing her role in guiding the program from its early development and her contributions to the county’s growing trail network, officials said.
“Programs like this succeed because of volunteers who bring expertise, dedication and thoughtful judgment,” said Deputy Director John Krickus. “As Isobel steps down after 10 years of service, we are proud to recognize her contributions and thank her for the lasting impact she has made on trail projects that connect communities, expand recreational opportunities and improve quality of life for our residents.”
Olcott has served on the Morris County Planning Board since 2001, officials said. In 2015, she was appointed to the Trail Program Policy Development Committee, which established the framework for what became the Trail Construction Grant Program, and when the program launched in 2016 she became a charter member of the advisory committee, the county said.
“Today, the structure for applicants is strong and the requests for funding are plentiful. Having participated in various county projects for almost 50 years, I can personally attest that county efforts have preserved a balance between development and open space as an enduring legacy,” Olcott said. “I also want to thank Director Stephen Shaw for his participation in many planning board meetings and trail construction meetings.”
County officials said Olcott reviewed more than $11 million in grant applications and helped recommend more than $6.5 million for trail projects, contributing to more than 35 miles of trails across Morris County. Her public service also included work with the Morris County Park Commission from 1982 to 1992, officials said.
Joseph Barilla, director of the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, provided an update on the program’s progress as it enters its 10th year, officials said. Karl Klingener, a special project manager with the Morris County Park Commission, and Betty Cass-Schmidt, chair of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee, attended the meeting to congratulate Olcott.
Since it was established in 2016, the Trail Construction Grant Program has awarded nearly $7.8 million, supporting the construction of more than 23 miles of trails and the design of an additional 15 miles countywide, the county said. In 2025, the advisory committee recommended more than $1.2 million for eight trail projects, officials said.
Applications for the 2026 Trail Construction Grant Program are expected to open this spring, the county said.
