Bergen County Commissioners Approve $4.87 Million to Elevate Recreation, Accessibility, and Senior Services

HACKENSACK, NJ – The Bergen County Board of County Commissioners started the new year by approving three major grants totaling $4.87 million to fund transformative projects aimed at improving the lives of residents. The initiatives include redeveloping the Carlton Hill Rail Trail into a community greenway, constructing an inclusive playground at Pascack Brook County Park, and continuing support for the county’s Meals on Wheels program.

Bergen County has been awarded $2.69 million in state funding to transform the 1.2-mile Carlton Hill Rail Trail, spanning East Rutherford and Rutherford, into a scenic greenway for walking, jogging, and biking. The project will remediate and repurpose the abandoned Norfolk Southern rail corridor, connecting the Passaic River to nearby downtown areas and Memorial Park in Rutherford, which features athletic fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a community garden.

 “This project demonstrates our dedication to preserving open spaces and creating sustainable recreational opportunities,” said Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chairman Steven Tanelli. “Transforming this rail trail into a greenway is an investment in our environment, health, and community.”

 The redevelopment of the Carlton Hill Greenway marks a significant step forward in Bergen County’s efforts to expand outdoor recreation opportunities. After nearly two decades of negotiation, the county purchased the rail line for $1.9 million with support from the Open Space Institute and the NJDEP Green Acres Program, which reimbursed half of the purchase price. Once complete, the greenway will join other premier outdoor destinations in the region, providing environmental and recreational benefits for generations to come.

 In Westwood, the Bergen County Commissioners also announced the award of a $1 million matching grant from the NJDEP Green Acres Program to construct a fully inclusive playground at Pascack Brook County Park. The new playground will feature accessible play equipment, safety surfaces, shaded rest areas, and a quiet play zone, creating a welcoming environment for children of all abilities. Additional upgrades to lighting, walking paths, and parking will enhance the park’s overall accessibility.

 “These investments reflect Bergen County’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all our residents,” said Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III. “Through close collaboration between my administration and the Board of County Commissioners, we are expanding access to parks, trails, and essential services, ensuring a stronger and more inclusive future for all Bergen County residents.”

 The inclusive playground, which aligns with the county’s Parks Master Plan, will begin construction in 2025 and will be developed in phases to prioritize safety and accessibility. The project is another example of Bergen County’s commitment to creating public spaces that reflect the diversity and needs of its residents.

 To support vulnerable residents, the Commissioners approved a $1.18 million contract with Whitsons Food Service to continue providing meals through the county’s Meals on Wheels program. This essential initiative, operated by the Bergen County Department of Human Services Division of Senior Services, ensures that homebound seniors across the county receive nutritious meals and crucial support.

 “Meals on Wheels is an indispensable program for our most vulnerable residents,” said Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Mary Amoroso. “This contract ensures that we continue to care for our seniors, helping them maintain their independence and connection to the community.”

 The Meals on Wheels program delivers a complete midday meal, including an entrée, vegetables, fruit, milk, bread, and dessert, to eligible seniors Monday through Friday. Meals are planned by a nutritionist to meet recommended dietary guidelines, promoting health and well-being. The program is available to residents aged 60 or older who are homebound and unable to prepare meals for themselves.

“Our dedication to progress is clear in these investments,” said Amoroso. “From enhancing outdoor spaces to ensuring support for our seniors, these initiatives reflect the core principles and priorities that shape our commitment to improving the quality of life for Bergen County residents.”