Huge Win Against Flooding? Bergen County Restores Key Duck Pond Amid $7 Billion River Overflow Risk
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
PARAMUS, NJ — Saddle River County Park, a sprawling 577-acre oasis that connects six Bergen County towns, is well-known for its scenic trails—and unfortunately, its persistent flooding issues. However, the County of Bergen is tackling the problem head-on, celebrating a major ecological restoration project while simultaneously seeking further funding to mitigate the immense financial risks posed by river overflow.
$1.7 Million Restoration: The Ridgewood Duck Pond is Reborn
The County of Bergen recently completed a full ecological restoration of the Ridgewood Duck Pond within Saddle River County Park. This vital project, backed by significant funding, aims to revitalize a beloved community landmark and restore its natural functions.
- Funding Sources: The restoration was made possible by $1.7 million in funding from the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program.
- Key Upgrades: The project included replacing the pond’s old, degraded liner and installing three new fountains and aerators. These additions are crucial for boosting water circulation, supporting local wildlife, and dramatically reducing algae growth.
As Bergen County officials stated, this restoration will ensure the Ridgewood Duck Pond remains “healthy and thriving for generations to come,” showcasing a commitment to preserving and protecting the County’s open spaces.
The $7 Billion Question: Economic Risk of River Overflow
While the duck pond restoration is a win for ecology, the economic danger posed by the overflowing Saddle River remains immense.
The Paramus Environmental Commission met with David Refkin, Chairperson of Green Ridgewood, who recently presented a sobering study titled Reimagining Bergen County: Saddle River County Park, Transforming the Suburban Oasis Model of Sustainability. According to Refkin’s research:
- Paramus Alone: $4 billion in property value is currently at risk from river overflow.
- Total Risk: More than $7 billion in property value is at risk across all six connected Bergen County towns.
Refkin noted that this figure is calculated before accounting for major recent and planned construction projects, such as the building at the south end of the Garden State Plaza and the new Costco development, which will only increase the property value and development density in the flood-prone area.
Seeking Solutions: The Resilient NJ Grant
To further assist in flood mitigation and ecological restoration along the river corridor, the County is actively pursuing a $300,000 grant through the Resilient NJ: Regional Assistance Program.
The Saddle River connects a major corridor of Bergen County, linking the communities of:
- Paramus
- Fair Lawn
- Glen Rock
- Ridgewood
- Saddle Brook
- Rochelle Park
Paramus Mayor Christopher DiPiazza and the Council were expected to vote on submitting the application for the grant at their Council meeting on October 21st, showing local government’s commitment to protecting the massive property investment in the region.
This two-pronged approach—revitalizing existing park ecosystems and proactively seeking flood mitigation funding—is essential to safeguarding Bergen County’s economic and environmental future.
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Until they actually restore the flow of water from the river into the pond it will continue to be a slimy mess regardless of fountains liners and aerators. The need to actually re-dig the offshoot from the river that used to flow past the playground.
There is no flooding solution. There never was, and never will be. All you see are loser politicians blowing money and making promises they can not keep. People, we built on a flood plain. That’s what happens. (i.e., high school football field).
$4 billion of real estate just in Paramus is at risk but just keep building. Such idiocy.