Cranford Introduces New Plan For Recreational Areas

CRANFORD, NJ — Details for a new Cranford Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) were presented at the Planning Board meeting on Wednesday night.

The proposal outlines the need for an established initiative that township leaders can refer back to when addressing recreational needs in the area. The plan was created to help Cranford prevent, prepare, and respond to environmental concerns that impact the community.

Cranford is also currently ineligible to receive grants and other funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for projects in this category due to the lack of such a program.

Graham Petto, Planner with Topology NJ, LLC, said the plan reflects opportunities for "synergy" between current and future parks and projects to provide additional capacity that is missing or underprovided in the township. He adds that significant stormwater damage mitigation efforts are a high priority.

Before compiling the report, the township conducted multiple efforts to gain resident feedback on concerns around the neighborhood. This included an online survey, in-person events, meetings with stakeholders, and collaboration with various departments.

One of the major themes residents called for was using the park system to add more recreational facilities and maintaining standards that make facilities accessible to everyone.

Other goals and objectives compiled in the report by included:

• Mitigating stormwater impacts
• Prioritizing conservation of environmental resources and sensitive areas, especially in areas prone to flooding
• Easy access to the Rahway River

The full draft compiled by Topology NJ, LLC can be viewed here.

The plan is not finalized and will be available for public comment through Nov. 17 by emailing hello@topology.is.

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