The Passaic County Commissioners were joined by officials from Paterson, Clifton, and Woodland Park and stakeholders to break ground on the Garret Mountain Phase II Improvements Project.

The goal of this project is to provide new recreational amenities and improvements to Garret Mountain Reservation in the vicinity of the Auto Overlook area which is where we are standing. The improvements are intended to take advantage of the view and develop a unique and beautiful public open space for our residents and visitors who utilize this park.

 The project includes various elements, including:

• Improved access and circulation for the Auto Overlook parking lot

• Resurfacing, repair, and resetting of existing paths near the Auto Overlook

• Repairs to the existing stone and mortar retaining wall near the Auto Overlook

• New paths with a range of challenge levels between the parking area and the higher open space area to the south

• Repair and restoration of the binocular viewing area

• Installation of new picnic tables and benches at various locations within the project limits

• A stone amphitheater set into the slope near the parking area

• Installation of new playground equipment with safety surfacing, including slides and boulder scramble to utilize the existing topography. The playground equipment will be for various age groups and will be inclusive

Other improvements include: 

• Installation of outdoor exercise equipment with new safety surfacing

• Installation of a new gazebo near the playground equipment and exercise equipment

• Construction of a new comfort station

• Construction of two new parking lots

• Improvements to existing water supply service

• Landscaping and tree planting

• Various ADA improvements for increased accessibility

The Phase II project is being partially funded by the Garret Mountain Reservation FY22 New Jersey State Budge Grant and the remaining funding will be supplied by the County. The project was awarded to the lowest bidder, Concrete Construction Corp, for a total of $5.2 million. The project is expected to be completed May of 2023.