Parsippany Named Tree City USA For 47th Year

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Parsippany was recently awarded the Tree City USA designation for the 47th consecutive year, the township said.

Someone passing through or shopping in Parsippany may only be familiar with the town's businesses and infrastructure. The Arbor Day Foundation, on the other hand, views the township differently because of its commitment to community forestry.

Last week, Mayor James Barberio celebrated Arbor Day with second-grade students from Lake Hiawatha, Northvail and Rockaway Meadow Elementary Schools to celebrate Arbor Day at Parsippany Town Hall.

Barberio was joined by state and local dignitaries, and he accepted a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill's office, on behalf of the township.

Each of the three participating elementary school principals also received an Arbor Day flag for their contributions.

"The children did such a great job with their poems," Barberio said. "I’m so glad the weather held out for us; you can tell they put a lot of practice into their presentations. They are the seedlings for our future, and they embody Pride in Parsippany."

The Tree City USA program requires four components: the formation of a tree board or department, the development of a tree-care ordinance, the establishment of an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and the observance or proclamation of Arbor Day.

Over 100 New Jersey cities and towns have received the honor. Some have been "Tree Cities" for decades, while others have only been "Tree Cities" for a few years or less. Since the Arbor Day Foundation began awarding "Tree City" status in 1976, Parsippany is one of the two municipalities in New Jersey to have received it.

The Arbor Day Foundation, in collaboration with the US Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, sponsors the Tree City USA program.

Parsippany has 31 parks spread out across the township. From the .32-acre Lake Hiawatha Park to the 352-acre Knoll Park, the park system has preserved over 800 acres. This total exceeds the nationally recognized standard of one acre of parkland per 100 residents.

The goal has been to provide recreation for every resident within walking distance, officials said.