WOODCLIFF LAKE—After purchasing the property for $1.65 million in early 2018, and spending another $400,000 to remediate contaminated soil at the site, the Borough Council has hired an architectural firm to design a passive park at the former Galaxy Gardens near Wearimus Road and Woodcliff Avenue.
The Borough Council approved an $89,700 contract with DMR Architects on Feb. 16 to provide design concepts for a passive park construction, informed by residents’ input in a survey.
The resolution approving the architects’ proposal notes it is for “landscape architectural, architectural (bandshell/concert stage), and bidding/construction administration.”
It also notes that the borough received a recent $110,157 county Open Space grant in December for completion of the Galaxy Gardens Park.
The park has been talked about for half a decade, after township officials acquired the 1.25-acre tract in February 2018, and plans for a gazebo, water feature, veterans memorial, and possible walking track were suggested in a survey last summer that generated approximately 150 responses.
Other suggestions: permitting dogs in the park, a walking track and benches, a water fountain feature, landscape accent lighting, and a memorial to honor local veterans.
Also: a bandshell, bike riding paths, a playground, a splash pool, miniature golf, ice rink, an area for food trucks, and a gym circuit and obstacle course.
Mayor Carlos Rendo has noted at least one local benefactor was interested in donating trees for the park. Since the survey, no public forum has been held or council decisions made on a future park design.
The site was formerly a garden center, where gasoline and pesticides were stored. Prior to that, the property was a service station, with both uses likely contributing to toxic soil contamination on site that required remediation paid for by the borough.
The remediation was recently completed following years of delays, exacerbated by the pandemic.
Rendo broke a split 3–3 council vote to purchase the 2.25-acre site, which was opposed by many residents due to contamination concerns.