PARK RIDGE — The borough has received a $232,000 grant through the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland & Historic Preservation Trust Fund to support the acquisition and preservation of the Frederick Wortendyke Jr. House, a historic Dutch-style homestead built between 1750 and 1755 and listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, Mayor Keith J. Misciagna said.
The borough’s application sought funding to help acquire and protect a property described as historically significant, with the stated goal of safeguarding the site for future generations and creating opportunities for community education focused on Dutch farming life in the Pascack Valley. Misciagna said the project is intended to complement the nearby Pascack Historical Society Barn, described as one of New Jersey’s few remaining Dutch farmer barns.
Misciagna noted the borough held a public hearing on April 22, 2025 as part of the trust fund application process, during which residents were invited to learn about the proposed acquisition, ask questions, and provide feedback.
He said borough representatives later presented the application to the Bergen County Open Space Committee in Hackensack in July, outlining the property’s historic significance, preservation plans, and anticipated community benefits.
The mayor said Park Ridge has now received official notice that the Bergen County Board of County Commissioners approved the $232,000 Open Space Trust Fund grant for the Wortendyke House project.
Misciagna connected the funding to broader historic preservation work in Park Ridge, citing the borough’s restoration of the Park Ridge Train Station and framing the Wortendyke House effort as part of preserving local heritage and the story of early Dutch settlers in the Pascack Valley. He said updates will follow as the project moves forward.
Upcoming events and community notices
Park Ridge governing body meetings
- 2025 Sine Die meeting: Jan. 6 at 6 p.m.
- 2026 Re-Organization meeting: Immediately following, 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Council Chambers. (We did not see either of these meetings’ agendas posted at press time)
ESL Tutor Training Workshops (Park Ridge Library + Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley)
Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley and the Park Ridge Public Library will offer a free, four-session ESL tutor training workshop series for residents interested in tutoring adult learners. Sessions are scheduled Tuesdays, Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Participants must attend all sessions to qualify as an ESL tutor. Registration information is available through literacyvolunteerspv.org.
Park Ridge High School basketball boosters host alumni tournament
The PRHS Boys and Girls Basketball Boosters will hold their 1st Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Doors open at 2 p.m. Cost is $20 per player, with teams asked to pre-register (teams of 5–8 players) and submit payment by Jan. 1. Tickets at the door are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Questions may be directed to prhsbasketballboosters@gmail.com. Proceeds will support the Park Ridge High School basketball boosters.
Our Lady of Mercy Academy open houses
Our Lady of Mercy Academy will hold open houses:
- Sunday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 28, 8:30 to 10 a.m.
- Registration: lfontana@olmacademy.org
Golden Age Club invitation (55+)
The Golden Age Club is open to residents 55 and older. For information, residents may call the club president, Brenda Yanni, at (201) 410–7981.
Volunteer needs: food pantry, TV coverage, ambulance, recreation
Tri-Boro Food Pantry
The Tri-Boro Food Pantry continues to seek donations. Donation times listed are Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m. Donations may also be dropped at Borough Hall in the lobby donation box during normal business hours. For special arrangements: 201-573-9083.
PKRG-TV seeks volunteers to keep sports broadcasts going
PKRG-TV is seeking volunteers to help film Park Ridge High School sports (including football, basketball, volleyball, and other events). No experience is required; camera training will be provided. Interested volunteers may contact pkrg@parkridgeboro.com. Programming is available on the PKRG-TV On Demand YouTube channel (as listed in the mayor’s notice).
Tri-Boro Ambulance volunteers
Tri-Boro Ambulance is seeking volunteers. Interested residents may call 201-391-2332.
Recreation Department student helpers
The Park Ridge Recreation Department is looking for middle school and high school students to help with recreation events as a way to earn community service hours. Contact 201-573-1800 ext. 521 or recreation@parkridgeboro.com.