Sparta Mayor Joins NJ Leaders To Rappel 21 Stories For Environmental Awareness

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Sparta Township Mayor Neill Clark reached new heights (and then descended from them) last weekend at the Over The Edge for Clean Water fundraiser.

Last Friday and Saturday, Mayor Clark and four other New Jersey mayors rappelled down a 21-story building in an effort to raise money to keep the Hackensack River and other NJ waterways clean and healthy.

Joining Mayor Clark in the Over The Edge for Clean Water’s dizzying “Mayors Challenge" were Harding Deputy Mayor Nicole Lacz, Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane Canose, Hope Mayor Timothy McDonough, and Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach.

Participants rappelled off the roof of The Park Hotel at Meadowlands in East Rutherford. They each were tasked with collecting sponsorships before making the climb down.

“It takes courage to protect our precious natural resources from the threats posed by out-of-scale developments and stand up to the powerful interests that often support them,” said Mayor Clark, who was the first to accept the 2025 Mayors Challenge. “With my rappel as a small symbolic act of courage, I am honored to pay homage to the valiant voices like the New Jersey Highlands Coalition that rise up with evidence-based facts to challenge these threats and offer sensible, sustainable solutions.”

Sponsorship proceeds went towards the efforts of the event’s organizers, the NJ Highlands Coalition and Hackensack Riverkeeper. These two organizations work to keep New Jersey waters safe for both the people and wildlife that rely on them.

“The New Jersey Highlands Coalition is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural and cultural resources of the NJ Highlands, for current and future generations,” a statement read. “Hackensack Riverkeeper defends the Public Trust resources of the Hackensack River watershed through environmental action, advocacy, education, and litigation.”

Following the Mayors Challenge, 30 more participants made the climb. Members of the Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the Puddingstone Community Club, and even Park Hotel employees were among those who made the rappel down.

The event has raised nearly $40,000 so far, and those interested can learn about Over the Edge for Clean Water here.