Water Damage Could Threaten Woodland Park Fireplace

Some problems were found with the old brick fireplace, a historic staple at Woodland Park, which could prevent it from being fully preserved when the new pavilion structure goes up.

According to Ken Job, borough engineer, inspection of the decades old fireplace and chimney, has found some serious deterioration on the inside of the structure due to water infiltration over the years. Job reports when the old pavilion was built around it the area connecting the chimney to the fireplace was never sealed when it was put in.

Plans to replace the old pavilion, which had long since outlived its life expectancy, were designed specifically so that the fireplace structure, a cherished piece of borough history, can be preserved. The structure had been donated by the Lions Club which is noted for being instrumental in establishing this park.

Job told officials the engineer team will know more upon further inspection just how structurally sound it is so they will be able to make recommendations on what can be done to preserve it.

The outside of the structure is fine but it is rotting like cancer on the inside, he reported.

The old pavilion was demolished weeks ago around the old fireplace. The new one would be built around the existing structure. Work is supposed to be done by May 1.

Half of the project is being paid for by a Bergen County Open Trust Fund grant. The borough is funding the other half of the costs.