WOODCLIFF LAKE—It was a sunny day and the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature. Residents of Woodcliff Lake and surrounding towns, including Hillsdale, Park Ridge and Montvale, gathered at the reservoir to celebrate the official opening of Veolia’s new Woodcliff Lake walking path.
“We made sure to clear out some things on our Saturday agenda so we could come here,” said Evangeline Gomez of Old Tappan, who brought her children to the celebration. “They are just so excited and want to keep walking right now.”
Dozens of families and solo hikers stopped by Saturday morning to experience the recent expansion at the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir trail. The path stretches roughly 1.25 miles and offers yet another outdoor activity for members of Veolia’s Watershed Recreation Program, who join to hike fish and watch birds along the company’s four reservoirs in North Jersey and New York.
“Veolia is excited that we have been able to create this path for residents to enjoy and we appreciate the support of the Mayors and Council Members from Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, Hillsdale and Montvale for working with us to make this happen,” said Debra Vial, Veolia’s director of communications.
“I encourage residents to join us here at Woodcliff Lake and come learn about our outdoor environmental programs,” Vial added.
Watershed Rec. member Michael Shields of Hillsdale has been coming to the reservoir for over 10 years to fish. “I used to bring my children down when they were younger,” Shields said. “It’s always a nice thing to do, you look forward to it from April to Thanksgiving weekend, it’s nice.”
To recognize the expansion of the trail in their area, residents in Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, Park Ridge and Montvale can enjoy free membership in Veolia’s Watershed Recreation Program which runs from early spring until Nov. 30 each year. The annual program includes access to four reservoirs with 12 gates for members to enjoy fishing, hiking and bird watching. The parking lot for the new path is at a popular fishing spot with access for residents in wheelchairs.
Along with the opening of the walking path, some families rolled up their sleeves to participate in a cleanup going on that day.
Gomez likes the idea of bringing her children to learn about the watershed. “I think it’s wonderful they get to learn about nature,” she said. “They get a greater appreciation for it. They understand the importance of exercising and get to be little natural scientists. They ask me about trees and the watershed and we’re able to impart that information to them which is very important.”
The Watershed Recreation Program is open until the end of November. Residents interested in joining the program can email for more information.
Shields agrees the path is another great addition to the program. “I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and enjoy the peace and quiet down here.”