For Immediate Release

August 23, 2018

Bergen County Will Enhance Rowing and Sailing Access in Riverside County Park

Project Will Replace Boat Dock

HACKENSACK – Bergen County officials recently approved a contract to replace the boat dock located at the North Arlington section of Riverside County Park, a project that will improve the south Bergen park and expand public access to the river for recreation. This action reflects the continued commitment of both County Executive James J. Tedesco and the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders to provide Bergen County residents with diverse recreational opportunities throughout the county parks system. 

Resolution #776-18, adopted by the Freeholders on Wednesday August 15, authorizes a contract with Empire Construction to provide the new docks. The new docks will feature two points of access, and will extend further into the water to allow easier docking and disembarking for rowers and kayakers. The existing dock will be repurposed by the County for later use at another park location. 

“This initiative continues my administration’s commitment to enhancing our county parks system and its recreational offerings,” said Bergen County Executive Tedesco. “The new docks will provide safe, expanded access to an underserved waterway for activities including crew, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. We are excited to provide the public with more opportunities to enjoy our rivers and waterfronts.” 

“The new docks will continue our efforts to enhance Riverside County Park as it expands access to the Passaic River for our residents of south Bergen, especially for the high school rowing teams in the area who use this park to practice and compete on the water,” said Freeholder Steve Tanelli, who chairs the Freeholder Parks Committee. “As a resident of North Arlington myself, I know how precious open space can be in south Bergen and the importance of making the most of our existing parks. Projects like this uphold our commitment to improve all of our County parks and provide a wide range of recreation activities to our residents.”

The Bergen County Department of Parks, totaling nearly 9000 acres, includes twenty-one parks, nine historic sites, a nationally accredited zoo, six golf courses, and numerous other active and passive recreation areas. Riverside County Park, comprised of two areas totaling 85 acres along the Passaic River in Lyndhurst and North Arlington, features such attractions as a dog park, playground, outdoor fitness and pedestrian/jogging pathway, tennis and bocce courts, baseball and softball fields, and picnic areas. Bergen County, through its Division of Open Space, is committed to acquiring, developing, and improving additional parkland for the benefit of County residents.