Kean highlights $1.84 million in proposed federal funding for Somerset County park improvements
BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. visited Bernards Township this week to highlight $1.84 million in proposed federal funding for improvements to Pleasant Valley Park, including construction of a culvert and new walking paths designed to improve safety, accessibility and water quality.
The funding, included in a House appropriations bill for fiscal year 2027, would support construction of a culvert where a stream crosses a park roadway. According to Kean’s office, hundreds of vehicles drive through the stream each day, contributing to water pollution and creating accessibility concerns, particularly during periods of flooding.
The proposed improvements would provide a safer crossing to the rear of the park, reduce pollution and allow for the construction of additional walking paths connecting visitors to existing trails. The project would also expand recreational opportunities for veterans living at Valley Brook Village, a supportive housing community on the nearby Lyons Veterans Affairs campus.
“I was pleased to secure more than $1.8 million in federal funding to support this critical project in Bernards Township,” said Congressman Kean. “Pleasant Valley Park is a place where the community, including families and visitors from the VA Lyons campus, can come together to enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, frequent roadway flooding can make the park inaccessible. These funds will help ensure Pleasant Valley Park remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.”
Bernards Township Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy joined Kean during his visit to review the proposed improvements and discuss the project’s potential benefits.
“It was great to welcome Congressman Tom Kean Jr. for an onsite tour of our $1.84 million Community Funding Project, including the culvert at Pleasant Valley Park and the new pathways that will provide connectivity to the park and existing trails,” said Bernards Township Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy. “We are pleased and appreciative of the Congressman’s advocacy as the project advances for consideration for FY2027 funding.”
Pleasant Valley Park serves as a recreational destination for township residents and visitors, hosting sports activities, youth and adult recreation programs, concerts and community events throughout the year.
“Pleasant Valley Park is truly a gem of Bernards Township, busy year-round with sports teams, youth and adult recreation, concerts and Plays in the Park, and even the ski club’s departures,” said Bernards Township Committeewoman Jennifer Asay. “This project will protect the stream that runs through it, provide a safe crossing to the rear of the park, and add new walking paths for residents including our veteran neighbors next door at Valley Brook Village.”
Township officials said the improvements would address existing roadway and environmental concerns while making the park more accessible to people seeking walking and exercise opportunities.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for Congressman Kean’s support for this important project here in Bernards Township,” said Bernards Township Committeeman Andrew McNally. “Congressman Kean has consistently secured federal support for our residents here in Bernards as our voice in Washington.”
The proposed $1.84 million allocation is among 18 Community Project Funding requests submitted by Kean’s office totaling $17,765,906 that were included in House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year. Kean announced those requests in July, and the Pleasant Valley Park funding remains subject to the federal appropriations process.
The park proposal follows an additional $835,000 in federal Community Project Funding that Kean announced for Bernards Township in August to upgrade the police department’s communications equipment.
That funding is intended to purchase 89 tri-band radios capable of operating across multiple frequencies, replacing equipment limited to a single frequency and improving coordination during emergency responses.
Additional information about the police communications funding is available through Kean’s congressional office.
