WARREN COUNTY, N.J. — Warren County is inviting residents, community organizations and local stakeholders to help shape the future of its parks, trails, preserved lands and recreational opportunities through an update to the county’s Open Space, Recreation and Parks Plan.
The planning effort will include three public engagement events and an online survey designed to gather feedback on future investments in open space preservation, park improvements, trail connections, recreation programming and natural resource protection.
The first public engagement session is scheduled for June 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Blairstown Township Municipal Building, 106 Route 94, Blairstown.
The updated plan will build on the county’s 2018 Open Space, Recreation and Parks Plan and identify priorities that reflect the changing needs of Warren County communities.
“A successful plan begins with public input,” said Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III. “We want to hear directly from the people who live, work, and enjoy Warren County so that future investments reflect the values and priorities of our communities.”
To guide the process, Warren County has partnered with Brandstetter Carroll Inc., a planning and landscape architecture firm with experience throughout New Jersey.
County officials said feedback collected through surveys, public events and stakeholder meetings will help shape recommendations for recreation, parks, trails, land preservation and future funding priorities.
Additional public engagement opportunities include the Hackettstown Street Fair on July 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Balloon Festival on July 25 from 3 to 7 p.m.
“These parks, trails, farms, forests, and waterways are among Warren County’s greatest assets,” said Planning Director Ryan Conklin. “This planning process is an opportunity for residents to help define how we preserve, improve, and connect these resources for future generations.”
Residents can complete the online survey and learn more about the project through the county’s planning website.
County officials said the completed plan will serve as a long-term framework for protecting open space, enhancing recreational opportunities, strengthening community connections and guiding investments aimed at improving quality of life throughout Warren County.
For more information, contact the Warren County Planning Department at (908) 475-6532 or planningdept@co.warren.nj.us.
