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COMMITTEES AND BOARDS Prospect Park Committee

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The Prospect Park Trail Development Project   Who We Are Our Plan Our Needs How You Can Help Contacts Members Trail Map   Who We Are: The Prospect Park Committee (PPC) is comprised of Livingston residents who are committed to the development of Prospect Park, a site of approximately 29 naturally wooded and untouched acres of land, owned by the Township of Livingston, located at  the intersection of Shrewsbury Drive and Laurel Avenue.   The Committee will work on making the park more accessible to the public by building multi-purpose trails, which will allow Essex County residents to enjoy 29 acres of forest close to home.   Our Plan: Our plan is to build a system of trails that will be used for hiking and biking as well as cross country skiing and snow shoeing.  In the initial stage, approximately two miles of 6-8 foot wide trails and a parking area will be created.  A section of trail will serve as an educational Nature Trail and will contain environmental markers to educate residents and encourage school trips.   A small area of plank-type seating arranged in a circle will serve as a “classroom” and meeting place for school groups and nature clubs.  Another trail section will be dedicated to those who are physically challenged.  All trails will utilize the natural terrain contours to minimize the project’s impact on the environment.   The project will be made possible with the help of volunteers from Livingston and other communities, assistance from the municipality with both direct financial and physical labor support, donations from local corporations and interested individuals, and state and county grants.   The project has already received support from many facets of our greater community, including the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Morris Trails Conservancy, Liberty – Water Gap Trail planners, The Township Council of Livingston, The West Essex Tribune, The Livingston Open Space Trust Fund Committee, and private citizens.   Our Needs: We have estimated the total cost of the initial phase of this project to be about $180,000. This includes: surveys and mapping parking lot construction kiosk trail clearing and building development of nature and handicapped accessible trails bridges and boardwalks over streams and wetlands signs for directional and educational purposes ongoing site maintenance   We expect to fund the project through a collaboration of both public and private sources.   On the public side we have applied for: $55,000 grant from the Essex County Open Space Local Aid Grant Program $25,000 grant from the NJDEP Office of Natural Lands Management, 2004 Recreational Trails Program $25,000 from the Livingston Open Space Trust fund $25,000 worth of services from the Township of Livingston Department of Public Works In addition, the Township has agreed to a guarantee of up to $25,000 if the NJDEP grant is less than the full amount requested.   How Can You Help: The PPC is looking for “Trailblazers” to donate time, money or materials to help make this project come true.  Benefactors who contribute above a certain level will be recognized on a sign featured in a kiosk at the entrance to the park and will be mentioned during the opening day ceremony.   Our monetary goal for donations from the private sector for phase 1 of the project is $90,000.  These funds will help offset shortfalls in grants and cover ongoing maintenance of the site.   The development of Prospect Park will be a proud accomplishment that will be enjoyed and treasured by residents and future generations alike.   Click here to download contribution form. (you need Adobe reader for the contribution form; download it for free at www.adobe.com)  Contacts: For information and questions contact:   PPC Fund-Raising members: Art Altman -- 973-716-0553 Emilie Gail -- 973-994-4375   Or visit: www.livingstonnj.org   Members: Richard Dinar - Chair Stephen Santola - Council Liaison Art Altman Richard Cohen Jim Downey Emilie Gale Murray Lieber Paula McGovern Pat O'Connor Dennis O'Keefe Ken O'Neill Renee Resky Michael Sikora Michael Schofel Bobbie Weisenfeld Robin Wolkoff