Springfield Avenue Park Opens in Berkeley Heights

Springfield Avenue Park officially opened in Berkeley Heights on Wednesday, Oct. 21, with a ribbon cutting on the former Berkeley Caterers property. Union County Life is reporting the opening, which followed years of negotiations, pandemic delays, and environmental permitting.

The park sits along the Passaic River at the township’s border with Morris County. The Union County Improvement Authority oversaw the $5.4 million project, which the county funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act money. The 35.2 acre property now includes playgrounds with shade structures, picnic areas, about a mile of walking paths, a synthetic surface walking track, benches, a pavilion, and river access. The park has two boat launches that are accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

MAST Construction served as the construction management team. RSC Architects was the project architect, Remington & Vernick Engineers provided engineering services, and Z-Tech Contracting was the general contractor.

UCIA Executive Director Dr. Bibi Taylor said, “This project is a real symbol of that investment into our communities.” She said the county chose to reinvest the federal funds in its communities rather than use them for one time expenses.

County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek said, “When the county purchased the former Berkeley Caterers site, we had an opportunity to protect this land from development and preserve it as green space for public use. Today we can see what that decision made possible.” He added, “Once land is developed, the opportunity to preserve it may be gone.” Bodek also estimated the project took five to six years from its initial stages, and he said, “Every time you delay, it increases the cost.”

Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, a mother of five, said, “There is nothing better than when you can find a space in our community, in our town, that welcomes all of them.”

Mayor Angie Devanney said, “I come from a place of gratitude this morning.” Devanney began advocating for the property’s acquisition in 2019, after Berkeley Caterers closed. She previously served as the county’s open space administrator and helped develop the Snyder Avenue property elsewhere in Berkeley Heights.

The county signed an agreement in October 2021 to buy the property at 735 to 737 Springfield Avenue, with an anticipated price of $2.56 million. The purchase used money from the Union County Open Space Trust Fund. Negotiations slowed during the pandemic, and in 2022, concerns about soil contamination and clean fill put the deal in doubt. Proposals presented to the township in 2024 included 62 parking spaces, playgrounds for children ages 6 months to 12 years, a fitness area, a 30 by 40 foot pavilion, and a restroom building. The project required New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection permits covering flood hazard areas, freshwater wetlands, and soil erosion.

The county will be responsible for maintaining the park. Clearing fallen trees and other debris from the river near the boat launches could be considered as a future project, though that work would require environmental permits and specialized equipment.

Find more Berkeley Heights and Union County news at unioncountylife.com.

FAQ

When did Springfield Avenue Park open?
The park officially opened on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, with a ribbon cutting.

What is in the park?
The park includes playgrounds, picnic areas, about one mile of walking paths, a walking track, benches, a pavilion, river access, and two ADA accessible boat launches.

Who paid for the park?
Union County funded the $5.4 million project with federal American Rescue Plan Act money. The Union County Improvement Authority oversaw it.

Who maintains the park?
The county will be responsible for maintaining the park.