Union County, NJ – A traveling outdoor gallery of historic photos will make its way to Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield this week, in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the Union County parks system. Visitors can view the photos arrayed along walking paths from August 2 to August 6.
“These photographs document the tremendous effort that has gone into preserving land for public recreation and nature conservation in our community, ever since the first County-owned parks were established 100 years ago,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope the exhibit inspires visitors to carry on this legacy, and help preserve and protect our parks for the next generation.”
The first parks in Union County’s park system were constructed in the 1920’s, as local conservationists became alarmed over the impacts of rapid development in the area. The initial plans called for five parks and 2,000 acres of preserved land, a number that quickly grew to more than 4,000 acres by 1930.
Since then, generations of Union County voters have approved a series of measures to create new parks and add more land to the park system.
The Union County park system today consists of 36 parks totaling almost 6,200 acres, containing lakes and streams for fishing and boating along with hiking trails, paved multi-use paths, athletic fields, golf courses, and many unique features including an Olympic scale archery range, the Watchung public riding stables, the Trailside Nature and Science Center, and the Deserted Village of Feltville.
The traveling exhibit was prepared by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.
A smaller version of each display will be exhibited at the Family Fun and Flix movie series. The exhibit has already visited Oak Ridge Park, Warinanco Park and Rahway River Park. The exhibit will also visit Echo Lake Park, Nomahegan Park and Conant Park in August.
For more information about Union County parks, including information about the Adopt-a-Park volunteer program, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, 908-527-4900.
Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
##
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Connect with Union County on social media.