Funds from the Somerset County open space preservation program are being used to purchase land in Green Brook Township that once housed a swim club, it was announced on April 12, 2017.
GREEN BROOK - Funds from the Somerset County open space preservation program are being used to purchase land that once housed a swim club, it was announced on Wednesday.
The county paid the $365,000 purchase price of the 11-acre Green Brook Swim Club property. Combined with an adjacent undeveloped 11 acres owned by the township, it will become a 22-acre park to be owned, managed and developed by the township, according to a news release.
"A priority of the county's open space program is to expand on existing park areas where appropriate, including municipal properties," said Freeholder Mark Caliguire, liaison to the county Open Space Advisory Committee. "Creating a 22-acre park is not an easy accomplishment for a developed, suburban municipality such as Green Brook."
The property, on the market for $400,000, had stopped being used as a swim club for several years after membership had declined.
"The township now has significant area to develop recreational facilities such as trails across both parcels," Caliguire said. "The property also is within walking distance to Washington Avenue. This corridor is part of the county's Priority Growth Investment Area.
"The township is working with the county Planning Board on a development plan for this corridor that would be enhanced by the inclusion of recreational facilities."
The township will be responsible for removing the existing buildings and pool this summer.
A committee is in the process of coming up with ideas for the new park facility, which will be considered by the Township Committee later this year; suggestions may be submitted to rec@greenbrooktwp.org.
"It is a win-win for everyone when a project like the Green Brook Swim Club acquisition can advance both local and county initiatives," said Freeholder Patricia Walsh, a former township mayor. "The coordination of the acquisition, park development and connection with the proposed Washington Avenue improvements is a perfect example of how the county and municipalities can work together to realize a common vision."
Funds from the Somerset County open space preservation program are being used to purchase land in Green Brook Township that once housed a swim club, it was announced on April 12, 2017. (courtesy image)