Newly Named Butler Park Closed to Public

The new owners of the have closed the land parcel to the public temporarily so that access can be improved and the park can be made safer.

The Passaic River Coalition, owners of what is , sent a letter to Arch Street residents advising them of the park closure on July 10. In it, the Coalition explained that "we have no intentions of intruding on your privacy or enjoyment of your home."

"We would like this property to be revitalized and viewed as a beneficial addition to your community. Our mission is to clean up and beautify the property and make it something the public can respectfully enjoy, especially those who live closest," the Coalition said.

As such, the Coalition will be constructing a new accessway between the properties of 54 and 58 Arch Street including stairs that will trail down the enbankment. After the safe accessway is constructed, Coalition volunteers will go into the park and remove debris.

Yapewi Park was originally under ownership of the , but the this past spring. A was held at the park in June.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Office of Green Acres consented to close the park for the accessway construction and approved "No Trespassing" signs to be posted by the entrance. The Coalition expects the project to be completed after the summer.