Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents of all ages to take a self-guided stroll along Union County’s Sensory Friendly Trail on Saturday, October 17 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy nature in the beautiful Watchung Reservation during the Recycled Art Wildlife Walk at Trailside Nature & Science Center. As visitors make their way along the trail, they will encounter a dozen different pieces of colorful eco-art made from recycled plastic water bottles. 

“Through this unique event, visitors will have the opportunity to view these unique, creative art pieces as they learn about our natural environment and the importance of recycling,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each piece of recycled art is made out of hundreds of recycled plastic bottles, with over four thousands used in total to complete the project. This free outdoor exhibit shows visitors how artists can use recycled or reused to make attractive pieces of art, turning every day trash into imaginative treasures.

The Sensory Friendly Trail is a 0.3 mile ADA accessible loop with a central gazebo. The trail is designed to provide tactile experiences and create new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while learning about natural heritage in Union County.

The trail winds gently through the woods with guide ropes and features multiple interpretive signs to learn about the local flora and fauna, with 3-D reliefs and Braille for the visually impaired.

The Sensory Friendly Trail also includes audio kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation, the largest preserved park in Union County at 2,142 acres.

Raised garden beds also add seasonal color to this multi-dimensional experience, providing visitors with additional opportunities to use their senses of sight, smell and touch.

Masks are strongly recommended and social distancing guidelines will be in place.

In-person activities in Union County Parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside Visitor Center is closed to the public until further notice.

Please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670 for more information about the Recycled Art Wildlife Walk or other nature programs and activities for all ages.

For more information and updates on permitted activities in Union County parks, please visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, please visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

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Each year, the Freeholder Board’s annual Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit showcases original work created by county residents aged 60 and above. The 2020 exhibit comprises 124 works of art entered by both professional and non-professional artists.

This year’s exhibit can be viewed online at www.ucnj.org/senior-art. All artwork images were submitted directly by the artists.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to showcase the artwork created by our senior citizens each year, and this year we are very pleased to present this exhibit virtually, enabling these talented artists to share their work with everyone in the community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Professional artists Barbara Wallace, Joseph Borzotta and Alina Marin-Bliach served as jurors, designating awards in each media category.

All entries awarded First Place honors will advance to the state level, to represent Union County in the 2020 New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show.

The artworks awarded first place cover a wide variety of media and materials by professional and non-professional artists, including:

• Eileen Bonacci (Oil Painting)
• Dante Bonardi (Watercolor)
• Lynda DuBois-Jackson (Craft)
• Marcia Haller (Acrylic Painting)
• Janice Metzger (Printmaking)
• Nancy Ori (Photography)
• Leona Seufert (Digital/Computer Art)
• Barbara Uhr (Pastel)
• Roberta Zlatkin (Mixed Media)
• Anne Castellano (Pastel)
• James Colangelo (Craft)
• William Connolly (Drawing)
• Stephanie Dexter (Oil Painting)
• Nancy Fine (Mixed Media)
• Robert Gasson (Acrylic Painting)
• Deborah Mainiero (Sculpture)
• Anne Occi (Watercolor)
• Catherine Varnelas-Smith (Digital/Computer Art)
• David Weisbrod (Photography)

“Afternoon in Amsterdam,” an oil painting by professional artist Eileen Bonacci, was awarded Best of Show by a Professional Artist.

A sculpture by Deborah Mainiero, “Abstract Flower,” was awarded Best of Show by a Non-Professional Artist.

The annual Senior Citizens Art Exhibit is coordinated and administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the virtual art gallery and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.           

Union County Freeholder Chris Hudak and Freeholder Sergio Granados, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Public Safety Director Andrew Moran joined Community FoodBank of New Jersey President and CEO Carlos Rodriguez, Kean University students and County of Union volunteers at the drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Kean University in Union. For a list of all future Food Distribution events, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events/. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County – Testing Educators for Safe Teaching will hold first two testing events on October 16 in Linden and       October 27 in Clark.  

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to announce the launch of the UC-TEST (Testing Educators for Safe Teaching) program. The UC-TEST program will function as a pop-up mobile testing site that will visit school districts throughout the County to provide twice monthly testing for all teachers. Administration and school staff will also be tested.

UC-TEST is the result of a partnership between the County of Union and the Union County Education Association (UCEA). The ultimate goal of the program is to bring as many municipal education associations into the partnership for maximum coverage of testing for those working in schools within Union County. The mobile test unit will administer the saliva test to all those being tested.

“The Freeholder Board is proud of this partnership, as we continue to work to keep our communities safe,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “It is especially important that we provide a safe environment for students across the county as they navigate in-person learning during COVID-19. UC-TEST will be an important component in our ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

The first scheduled mobile pop-up testing event will take place on October 16^th between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in Linden. The mobile test unit will be set up in the parking lot at the Linden Board of Education building located at 2 East Gibbons Street.

“Our message has always been that we must provide the highest measures of safety for children and staff with any in-person re-opening,” said Linden Education Association President, Eloy Delgado. “Having access to testing is a key component of ensuring safety for all in our community. I am proud to have been able to partner with Union County in order to provide free COVID-19 testing for our school employees.  Thank you to all the individuals who were instrumental in making this happen. Working together, we will contain COVID-19.”

The second mobile pop-up testing will take place on October 27 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Union County Education Association (UCEA) Headquarters located at 77 Central Ave in Clark. Details on subsequent events will be forthcoming.

“Thank you to Union County for testing and accommodating our 13,000 member educators. It is our collective responsibility to minimize the spread of this virus,” said Lisa D. Palin, President of the UCEA. “First and foremost, we want to ensure a safe and effective transition in order for us to provide a traditional education for our students and families. This is just a first step and I encourage all to do their part to stop the virus.”    

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

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Happy Columbus Day weekend! The Union County Freeholder Board and members of UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO marked the holiday with the 12th annual Columbus Day Flag raising in Elizabeth at the County seat today. l. to r. Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Surrogate James LaCorte, Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Italian Tribune Publisher A.J. “Buddy” Fortunato, Plainfields UNICO President Bob Bengivenga, UNICO District X Governor @Anthony Bengivenga, Robert Tarte of Westfield UNICO, County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, holding the flag and others receiving the resolution.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s free new online series, “OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour,” returns for a second episode on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. The Freeholder Board invites County residents to sign up and tune in to join host Micayla Mirabella for an hour of stories and discussions about queer pioneers and activists in and around Union County.

The Queer Empowerment Hour series is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs. The first episode aired on September 30. The biweekly series is running every other Wednesday evening through December 9, with each hour-long session beginning at 7:00 p.m.

“We were simply overwhelmed by the positive response to Queer Empowerment Hour when the series launched in September, and we are all looking forward to another informative and thought-provoking episode this week,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Queer Empowerment Hour provides the Union County community with a new opportunity to connect and share experiences, and I encourage everyone with an interest in queer affairs to join in.”

“The COVID-19 outbreak has created new burdens on members of the community who may already feel alone and vulnerable, and Queer Empowerment Hour helps to overcome this barrier of isolation. The Freeholder Boards is proud to send the Queer Empowerment Hour message of support and camaraderie throughout Union County, and beyond, said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, who is liaison to the Freeholder Board’s LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee.

OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour explores LGBTQ+ specific topics and offer stories and discussions involving queer folks from different backgrounds and experiences, in an hour-long format that includes some of New Jersey’s most dedicated LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders, and allies.

Registration is required for individuals to access each webinar through Zoom, where participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. All of the webinars will be live-streamed as well. The schedule and registration links can be found at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

The first episode aired on September 30 with a focus on parental support for queer people.

In recognition of LGBTQ History Month, the October 14 episode will feature educators from across New Jersey discussing the state’s inclusive curriculum and its role in raising awareness of LGBTQ pioneers and activists.

The episode will highlight Bayard Rustin, Marsha P. Johnson and other New Jersey activists who earned a place in history, along with Harvey Milk, James Baldwin, and other prominent figures in queer history.

Also featured are pioneers who whose record of activism continues to this day, including Billy Jean King, Laverne Cox, and other

Following October 14 episode, the remaining installments are:

Wednesday, October 28: Transgender Identity and Inclusion

Wednesday, November 11: Being Queer in the Military

Wednesday, November 25: Ally Talk – Hear from Straight Friends and Advocates

Wednesday, December 9: Faith and LGBTQueer+ Panel

The Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

Restaurants impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for grants of up to $20,000 each; online application portal opens on Wednesday, October 14.

Union County, NJ – Restaurants in Union County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak may be eligible to receive federal CARES Act funding through the new Union County COVID-19 Emergency Restaurant Grant program established by the Freeholder Board. The new program provides a total of $2 million to qualified restaurants located in Union County on a first come, first served basis. A maximum of $20,000 per grant applies.

 “Local restaurants are woven into the fabric of our neighborhoods, providing innumerable opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and civic service for our residents. Their contribution to our quality of life is irreplaceable, and this allocation of federal CARES Act funds will help offset the expense of COVID-19 prevention measures that protect the health and safety of our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Restaurant Grant COVID-19 Emergency Restaurant Grant program provides reimbursement for expenses related to compliance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders on restaurant operations during the COVID- 19 public health emergency, including items for facilitating outdoor dining, social distancing, and disinfecting a facility.

The online application portal will open at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14 through the link ucnj.org/restaurant-grant. Awards will be made to eligible applicants on a first come first served basis.

Applicants should be prepared to answer the following questions:

• Have you received any other type of grant funding? If so, what were the funds used for? During what months were the funds used? What was the dollar amount?
• What was the approximate sales volume/revenue of your business during the months of January through September in 2019, and January through September in2020?

In addition, the following documents must be submitted online with the application form:

• A current Food Service License from the local or County Board of Health
• All reimbursement expenditures must have a corresponding invoice and proof of payment
• Business Registration Certificate, certificate of incorporation or formation
• Good Standing Certificate (Short Form) found here : nj.us/treasury/revenue/standcert.shtml
• 2019 Tax return or Tax Extension
• W9 gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

Please note that one file will be allowed for each required type of documentation.  A third party tool such as Genius Scan is highly recommended for this purpose. It will allow the user to scan and merge multiple images and documents into single PDFs.

For Apple Devices, the Genius Scan link is:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/genius-scan-pdf-scanner/id377672876.

For Android (Google) Devices, the Genius Scan link is: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thegrizzlylabs.geniusscan.free.

The application portal will open on 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14 at  ucnj.org/restaurant-grant.

If further assistance about the Restaurant Grant program is needed, email Deana Mesaros, Coordinator, Office of Business Development in the Union County Department of Economic Development at dmesaros@ucnj.org

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

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Voters who have recently moved or recently registered to vote in Union County are scheduled to receive their ballots over the next 2-1/2 weeks.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises voters who have not yet received their ballots for the 2020 General Election that they will receive them over the next 2-1/2 weeks.

“The process of sending Vote-by-Mail ballots to voters in Union County is still under way,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “If you have recently registered to vote in Union County, or if you have recently changed your registration due to a move, your ballot will be mailed to you within the next 2-1/2 weeks.”

In accordance with a statewide Executive Order issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the 2020 General Election is being conducted primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots.

To avoid overwhelming the U.S. Postal Service with a high volume of mail all at once, the County Clerk’s Elections Division is sending Vote-by-Mail ballots to all registered voters in scheduled waves. The first wave covered voters who have not changed their registration in recent months.

The second wave involves voters who have recently registered to vote in Union County, or who recently changed their registration due to a move.

The second wave is currently under way and will conclude before October 24.

After October 24, voters who have not received their Vote-by-Mail ballot in the mail are advised to contact the Elections Division of the County Clerk by phone at 908-527-4996, or by email at ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Statewide COVID-19 prevention guidelines will be observed at this event.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders proudly invites residents to attend a free outdoor, drive-up screening of the Freddie Mercury bio-pic Bohemian Rhapsody, hosted by the Office of LGBTQ Affairs in honor LGBTQ History Month. The screening will take place on Friday, October 16 at 7:30 PM at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

In case of rain the event will be held on Sunday, October 18.

Bohemian Rhapsody traces the story of lead singer Freddie Mercury and the legendary British rock band Queen, leading up to a history-making performance at the Live Aid 1985 global fundraising event in 1985.

“Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate the diversity that builds a strong, inclusive community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to honor icons like Freddie Mercury, who while privately battling an AIDS diagnosis played a key role in the fight to end the epidemic and increase LGBTQ visibility and acceptance.”

“The LGBTQ movement for equality stands on the shoulders of our early heroes and icons, and their bravery and visibility is inspiring leaders of today,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “LGBTQ visibility sheds light on important issues impacting the LGBTQ community. Bohemian Rhapsody is centered in the public health AIDS epidemic. Presenting the film while in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic draws attention to the increased challenges LGBTQ people face everyday accessing health care.”

Reservations are required to secure a spot for the free drive-up screening. The online reservation form is available at tinyurl.com/DriveUpMovie. One registration is required per car (not per person). Due to space limitations, registration for Bohemian Rhapsody will be on a first come, first serve basis. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, no walk-ups or bikes are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart for social distancing. Attendees must stay in their vehicles unless using the port-o-johns (masks required for port-o-johns).

No chairs, stools or other seating outside of the vehicle is permitted.

This drive-up film screening is organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs in collaboration with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.

The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.

The Trotters Branch of the Elizabeth River Nature Trail provides rare experience of natural forest in urban area at border of Union Township and Elizabeth.

Union County, NJ – Just a few steps away from a busy intersection at the border of Union Township and the City of Elizabeth, local residents can follow a rustic walking trail and enjoy the peaceful sounds and sights of a natural forest. The ¼-mile trail winds along Trotters Branch, a stream that runs through the forested western section of Union County’s Phil Rizzuto Park and empties into the Elizabeth River.

Phil Rizzuto Park is located at the intersection of North Avenue and Morris Avenue, two major four-lane arteries. The forest in Phil Rizzuto Park is the only natural area of its kind in the vicinity. The eastern section of the park includes turf fields, a large playground, and other recreational facilities.

The Union County Freeholders officially opened the Trotters Branch of the Elizabeth River Nature Trail with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 7. The trail features interpretive signage and a pavilion for outdoor nature classes and other community activities.

The nonprofit organization Groundwork Elizabeth spearheaded the trail project in partnership with the County of Union. Funding for the pavilion, trail work and interpretive signage work was provided by a grant from Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery with assistance provided by Groundwork Elizabeth, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Friends of the Great Swamp, The Mushett Family Foundation Inc., the J.C. Kellogg Foundation and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

“I would like to thank Groundwork Elizabeth and for their leadership in building this unique community resource, Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery for their generous support of the trail work and educational features, and all of the partners who joined in to help out,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Union County parks system is our legacy from past generations, and we have a responsibility to appreciate and preserve these natural ecosystems for the future.”

Part of the trail work was undertaken by the Green Team, a community youth engagement and development program of Groundwork Elizabeth. Phil Rizutto Park serves as a training ground for Green Team members to learn basic trail maintenance skills. The Green Team also conducts wildlife monitoring programs, water testing, children’s educational programs and other volunteer activities in the park.

“It is very important to ensure that young people in our urban areas can experience nature first-hand, and also have the experience of improving neighborhoods and helping to preserve and protect ecosystems in our communities,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is an Elizabeth resident. “The youth members of the Green Team have done a wonderful job on the Nature Trail. We truly appreciate their hard work and dedication to civic improvement, and Groundwork for organizing and supporting their efforts throughout the community.”

“I would like to thank Groundwork Elizabeth and their dedicated partners for bringing this project to fruition,” said Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. “The support from Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery, the Union County Board of Freeholders and many other organizations, is a great example of what can happen when we work together. Safeguarding our environment for not only ourselves, but future generations is something that should be inherent to us. Now, thanks to the efforts of our partners, residents and visitors have access to a natural resource right in their neighborhood. I hope you all enjoy this trail and I look forward to seeing all of the future improvements of this open space.”

“The Nature Trail demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the quality of life of our residents,” said Township of Union Mayor Michele Delisfort. “This project is a unique community resource that will provide many residents and visitors with new opportunities to learn about the natural world around us, and to help protect, preserve, and promote our natural resources.”

“Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery has had a long history of working with Groundwork Elizabeth and supporting their efforts to save, enhance and educate about the environment.  We are proud to be a partner in the Outdoor Nature and Education Center at Rizzuto Park and to assist in educating about the forest in this park, which is the only natural area of its kind in the vicinity. We are proud to sponsor the new kiosk, interpretative signs and other improvements within this natural woodland along Trotters Branch, stated Nancy Sadlon, Manager of Public Affairs, Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery in Linden, NJ. “Our company values are safety, honor and commitment. Being part of this project and others in previous years at Rizzuto Park is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to this community.”

“Groundwork has been fortunate to have broad support in the community, and it has been incredibly inspiring to see projects like the Nature Trail take shape through a collaborative effort between government, business, and non-profit organizations,” said Groundwork Executive Director Jonathan Phillips. “This is a long term project spanning several years, and it would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of Union County, Phillips 66, and our other partners.”

Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery contributed $30,000 for construction of the pavilion and other work on the Nature Trail. In-kind contributions were also made by the Freeholder Board through the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

A second phase of the project will begin later this year, involving measures to remediate and prevent erosion in Trotter’s Branch and the construction of a boardwalk in a wetlands portion of the trail.

The cost of Phase 2 is estimated at $250,000. Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery has pledged $74,000 toward the effort. The U.S. Department of Agricultural Natural Resources Conservation Service has also committed $83,000 in funding, and discussions with additional partners are under way.

For quick links to more information about all Union County parks, and all other environmental activities and programs supported by Union County, visit The Green Connection online at ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information about Groundwork Elizabeth visit groundworkelizabeth.org.

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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.