Passaic County Commissioners Announce $3.1 Million in Open Space, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Awards

Passaic County, NJ – The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the 2025 recommendations for the Open Space, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Program, totaling $3,107,400 in grant awards. These investments will enhance park development and preserve historic sites across the County, in partnership with local municipalities and non-profit organizations.

As part of the annual application process, the County’s Open Space, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Advisory Committee reviewed proposals from across Passaic County and made recommendations based on community need, public impact, and project readiness. Two separate resolutions authorize the proposed allocations: one for grants over $100,000 requiring a public hearing for under state statute, and one for grants under $100,000.

“Passaic County’s Open Space Trust Fund continues to support meaningful improvements to our parks and historic resources,” said County Commissioner Director Pat Lepore. “These projects not only improve quality of life for our residents but preserve the unique character of our communities.”

A public hearing to consider 15 of the proposed projects totaling $2,547,400 is on July 15, 2025. These awards exceed the statutory threshold of $100,000 and are required to be considered with public input in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:12-15.3(b).

Proposed 2025 Awards Requiring Public Hearing – $2,547,400

Park Development

• Bloomingdale: Delazier Field Bathroom and Backstop – $180,000

• City of Paterson: Eastside Park Historic Broadway Steps Renovation Project - $225,000

• Clifton: Washington Park Playground – $200,000

• Hawthorne: Wagaraw Field Bleacher Replacement – $125,000

• Little Falls: Amity Park Playground – $198,500

• North Haledon: High Mountain School Playground Rehab (Phase III) – $235,400

• Prospect Park: Hofstra Park Shelter Project – $198,500

• Ringwood: Stonetown Recreation Complex Playground – $155,000

• Totowa: Kennedy Park Playground Rehabilitation – $225,000

• Wanaque: Laurie Field Improvements (Phase II) – $205,000

• Wayne Township: Community Center Sports Courts Renovations – $250,000

• Wayne Little League: Dotterweich D3 Turf Field Project – $100,000

• Wayne PAL: Bleacher Replacement – $100,000

• Woodland Park: Tennis Court Rehabilitation – $225,000

Historic Preservation 

• Pompton Lakes: Library Exterior and Interior Restoration – $150,000

In addition, the Commissioners have approved an additional $335,000 in grant awards that do not require a public hearing. These smaller-scale but impactful projects will support restoration efforts and site improvements led by historical societies and nonprofit partners.

2025 Awards Not Requiring Public Hearing – $335,000 

Historic Preservation 

• American Labor Museum: Botto House Exterior Restorations – $50,000

• Friends of Paterson Parks: Eastside Park Broadway Steps Renovation – $75,000

• Friends of Wallisch: Timber Barn Restoration (Section B) – $35,000

• Little Falls Historical Society: Old Town Hall Window – $50,000

• Little Falls Historical Society: Old Town Hall Doors – $50,000

• Preservation of Terhune Historic Settlement: Historic Building Stabilization – $35,000

Park Development 

• Highlands Nature Friends: Site Improvements – $40,000

All municipalities receiving funds must agree to include notice of these awards in their annual tax bill mailings, acknowledging the support of the Passaic County Open Space, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Program.

“These investments reflect the County’s continued commitment to conservation, recreation, and the preservation of our heritage,” said Commissioner Rodney De Vore, Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee. “We are proud to partner with so many local leaders and organizations to keep Passaic County vibrant, active, and welcoming.”