Bergen County Parks Master Plan Submission for NJASLA Professional Award Currently: Over 9,000 acres, 36 parks,1 nationally accredited zoo, 5 golf courses, 2 equestrian centers, 1 Environmental center, 9 historic sites. 70 year old system developed without a Parks Master Plan Challenge: Population growth 3.1% between 2010-2014, (NJ 1.7%), substantial population diversity concerning income and ethnicity Goal: Develop a long-range plan to sustainably protect, manage, and enhance the County park system.
Bergen County Parks Master Plan BEAUTIFUL PARKS
Bergen County Growth Bergen County Parks Master Plan
Public outreach Online Survey (2300+ responses) Park Intercept Surveys (~700 responses) 8 Public Meetings (~300 participants) Email Communications Stakeholder 1-on-1 Meetings Municipal Data Review Technical Advisory Group
Online Survey Bergen County Parks Master Plan
Online Survey Bergen County Parks Master Plan
Current Open Space For Residents Projected Population Density 2040
From the Marshes to the Mountains Integral part of each resident s healthy life style. Complement municipal, state and nonprofit open space. Diverse park facilities and programs.
Parks Master Plan Elements Park Emphasis Focus on visitor experience expressed by residents and key stakeholders. Park Type Focus on size, the geographic location, and the potential for expansion of the park system. Connectivity Focus on safe convenient multimodal connections between Bergen County parklands and open spaces, increase public accessibility and support healthy lifestyles.
Planning guidelines with reference to park emphasis Bergen County Parks Master Plan Provide a park environment in which social interactions between a diversity of visitors can flourish GOLF Provide aesthetically enjoyable, high-quality golf experience for all residents. Enhance existing uses while preserving the overall feeling of nature ( NJ Pristine ) GOLF Facilitate multi-modal access to promote health and reduce vehicular dependence
Park Types Anchor Parks Backbone of the Bergen County Park System Activities, programming, and events on a regional scale. Linear Parks Follow river corridors Extend through multiple municipalities Local Parks Complement municipal open spaces, serving primarily local residents. Ensure high quality maintenance standards and efficient use of resources. Golf courses Distinct management requirements
Element-Connectivity Multi-modal connections Encourage bike and pedestrian access Provide bike & pedestrian amenities Bike lanes on appropriate roadways Adaptive re-use of rail lines
Explorations Connectivity Hackensack River Corridor Develop contiguous open spaces along existing corridors (rivers, rail lines, etc.) Identify parcels that are ripe for open space acquisition (floodprone, etc.) Identify potential partners in providing connectivity (e.g. university, corporate center, etc.) Role model Saddle River Park.
Add New Anchor Park: Meadowlands, Palisades Addresses southern under-served region Potential connection to Palisades Interstate Park; Passaic River parks County-owned or strong County collaboration with other owners
Bergen County Parks Department Structure Bergen County Parks Master Plan
Solution-Fostering Effective Collaborations Bergen County Parks Master Plan