Warren County launches Parks and Recreation Division, advisory board to guide park system
WARREN COUNTY, N.J. — Warren County is launching a new era for its park system with the creation of a Division of Parks and Recreation, a new advisory board and updated park rules aimed at managing and improving the county’s growing network of public lands.
The Warren County Board of County Commissioners announced the initiatives as part of a broader effort to strengthen park operations, expand recreational opportunities and plan for future investments.
“Our open space has become one of Warren County’s greatest assets, and we’re proud to announce a series of measures that will ensure our parks continue to grow, improve, and serve residents for generations to come,” said Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla.
County officials said the park system has grown significantly over the past four decades. What began with Garrett D. Wall Park, a 4-acre park in Belvidere, has expanded to 173 parcels encompassing more than 2,900 acres.
The system now includes forests, meadows, wetlands, streams, a 69-acre spring-fed lake, farmland, more than 26 miles of trails, museums, historic structures, pavilions and other recreational amenities.
The newly created Division of Parks and Recreation, housed within the Department of Land Preservation, will oversee park operations, maintenance, recreation programming, capital improvements, historic sites, natural resource management and future park enhancements.
“Good government means adapting to changing needs,” Commissioner Deputy Director James R. Kern III said, adding, “The people of Warren County have invested in preserving thousands of acres of open space over the years and this reorganization ensures clear accountability and makes sure that the public’s investment continues to benefit residents through thoughtful management, maintenance, and recreation.”
The commissioners also established the Warren County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, replacing the former Board of Recreation Commission, which was created in 1987. Current members will continue serving on the new board.
“The Board of Recreation Commissioners helped transform what was once a very modest county park system into one that has become a source of pride for Warren County, and we thank every past and present volunteer for their dedication and look forward to continuing that partnership through the new Advisory Board,” Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski said.
In addition, the commissioners approved the first comprehensive update to the county’s park rules since 1999. The revised regulations establish standards for park operations, visitor safety, recreational activities, special events, permits and the protection of natural and historic resources.
The county is also continuing work on a comprehensive Open Space, Recreation and Parks Plan, which includes public surveys, stakeholder meetings and community workshops to identify priorities for future park improvements, trail development, accessibility, recreation programming and historic preservation.
“We encourage residents to participate in the planning process by completing the County’s public survey and attending upcoming public engagement events throughout the summer,” said Ryan Conklin, director of the Warren County Planning Department.
Residents can complete the survey through warrenparks.com. County representatives will also seek public input at the Hackettstown Street Fair on July 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Balloon Festival on July 25 from 3 to 7 p.m.
As part of its long-term parks strategy, the county also plans to place a non-binding public question on the November ballot asking voters whether the county’s Open Space Trust Fund should be expanded to allow funding for park, trail and recreation improvements in addition to land preservation.
“Warren County has made a tremendous investment in preserving open space over the past three decades,” said Corey Tierney, director of the Warren County Department of Land Preservation. “As some of our preserved lands mature into parks and recreational destinations, we believe it is important to invest in maintaining and improving these public assets so they can be enjoyed by future generations.”
