New Trail Approved For County Funding In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — An expansion project is planned for a new 0.26-mile trail to connect an existing sidewalk network in Morristown, according to a statement from the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

The plans were recently approved for county funding as part of the 2023 grant approvals by the county’s Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee.

Morristown was approved for a $134,838 grant to create a new 0.26-mile trail to connect an existing sidewalk network along Budd Street and Miller Street at Budd Street Park. It will provide a link to a playground, basketball courts and ball fields.

According to the committee, the new trail will provide passive recreation for Morristown residents and visitors.

“Our Trails Grant program has become popular as Morris County residents value the benefits the trails offer. Notably, the grants not only enhance long hiking trails but also improve local parks and greenways, further contributing to our residents' cherished quality of life. The expanding trail network, which includes the recently opened ADA-compliant trail in Madison, provides everyone the opportunity to appreciate open spaces, whether for exercise, recreation or simply to relax in the outdoors a little bit,” said Commissioner Stephen Shaw, the board liaison to Morris County’s Office of Planning and Preservation.

The Morris County Preservation Trust Fund, which was established in 1992 and then changed with voter approval in 2002 to establish a Historic Preservation Fund, provides funding for trail projects.

By a three-to-one majority, voters approved a ballot issue in 2014 to amend the fund once more, this time enabling trail development as an eligible use for a portion of the trust fund money.

Since the program's inception, the commissioners have authorized 46 grants proposed by the committee for the construction of about 27 miles of trails.

The Budd Street Pedestrian Trail is the town's third grant. Morristown received financing for the Foote's Pond Wood Trail in 2016 and the Kleitman Wood Trail in 2022.