11 Township Parks Promoting Open Space During 'Mahwah Parks Day'

Eleven of Mahwah’s parks will play a role in the first-ever Mahwah Parks Day, being put on by the Mahwah Environmental Commission this Saturday, October 12.

According to a recent release from the Commission, the day is meant to promote the use of the township’s open space. And, to do it, the Commission has lined up events all day long at various Mahwah parks.

The event kicks off with an Opening Ceremony at noon at Winter's Park. It ill be immediately followed by the Mahwah Historic Preservation Commission dedication of the township’s new Joyce Kilmer Tree, in honor of the famed poet who spent part of his life in Mahwah.

Starting at 1 p.m., the Sixteen String Band will play live music at the Winter’s Park gazebo, and picnic lunches will be available for sale, with proceeds going toward the Winter’s Park Playground Committee.

Stop by Lake Henry from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for a Nature Walk that’ll include insights from pro birdwatchers, a Trout Unlimited aquatic organism watch, and a craft table for kids. This program is sponsored by Sustainable Mahwah and is being coordinated by Ramapo College graduate student Karin La Greca. For more information you may call Karin at 201-669-8267.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Ramapo Reservation will see a New Jersey Search and Rescue Open House, and the New York New Jersey Trail Conference will have an info booth outside the nearby Darlington School House. Email info@njsar.org or Jennifer@nynjtc.org for more information about those two events, respectively.

From 1 to 5 p.m., stop by Silver Creek Park for a picnic and some outdoor fun led by the Plant Church. Contact OmarN@theplantchurch.org or call 201-425-3770 ext. 1 for more details on that event.

And, stop by Continental Soldiers Field, where the Field of Creams Café will have events from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

At 12:30 p.m., see a musical performance by 4GotteN SuitCase, the first Ramapo College student-run 14-member a cappella group. Food and refreshments are available for purchase during the performance.

In honor of Mahwah Parks Day, anytime during the day, enter a drawing to win one of four awesome prizes at Field of Creams (no purchase necessary).

The township has released a Mahwah Parks Day map and event guide to help residents plan the day. Both are attached, and downloadable.

Mahwah Parks Day is being funded by a $1,463 grant the Commission received from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions. The ANJEC grant is one of 22 awarded to towns across the state this year in an attempt to enhance the use of open space, and promote awareness about Environmental Commissions.