Nosenzo Pond Park - 27
Acres of Recreational Space Preserved
The Land
Conservancy of New Jersey is pleased to announce that the
Township of West Milford has preserved 27 acres for open
space and recreation. With assistance provided by The Land
Conservancy, the Township purchased Nosenzo Pond Park, which
is located behind West Milford Township High School, near
the intersection of Lower Starlight Road and Nosenzo Pond
Road.
The Township was
offered the opportunity to purchase the land after leasing
it from a private owner for several years. This new park
provides an important addition to the lands owned by West
Milford for recreation and conservation. Owning the land
will allow the Township more freedom in deciding how this
parkland will be used in the future for the town’s athletic
programs and facilities.
The Mayor of
West Milford Township, Bettina Bieri, commented “The
Nosenzo Pond property acquisition offers a tremendous
benefit for our residents. In addition to preserving
critical open space adjacent to a body of water, this
property includes a multi-purpose recreational field,
pavilion, and playground areas. The Township is also
considering a section of the parcel for a potential and
long-awaited municipal dog park, which has been high on the
priority list of numerous residents. Also, unlike many other
open space acquisitions, this purchase does not reduce any
tax revenues for the Township as the previous owner was
exempt. Acquiring the Nosenzo Pond property is a true
triumph for West Milford Township.” The pond may be used for
fishing, canoeing, and paddle boating in the future.
The land was
purchased for $756,000. A $500,000 grant was provided by the
Passaic County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust
Fund. The balance was contributed through the West Milford
Open Space Trust Fund. The Township thanks the Passaic
County Board of Chosen Freeholders for approving the grant
for this purchase.
Since 2008 West
Milford has preserved 241 acres of land for open space and
recreation in partnership with The Land Conservancy of New
Jersey. Nosenzo Pond Park will help accommodate the growing
popularity of lacrosse and soccer in the community, while
also providing a playground, athletic fields, and walking
trails for local residents
