Franklin Lakes Pays Tribute: Preserve Renamed for Ex-Mayor Who Fought for its Acquisition Two Decades Ago
photo courtesy of the Borough of Franklin Lakes
Franklin Lakes NJ, a historic piece of North Jersey open space has officially received a new name, honoring the man whose vision and dedication secured its future for the public.
Nineteen years after its crucial purchase, the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve—formerly the Haledon Reservoir—was officially renamed the G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve in a moving ceremony on October 11th.
The renaming honors G. Thomas Donch, the former Mayor of Franklin Lakes who championed the fight to acquire the 147-acre property that spans both Bergen and Passaic counties.
A Delayed but Deserved Ceremony
The name change was formally approved in January 2024, but the dedication ceremony was delayed for months after the collapse of a culvert made the preserve’s parking lot inaccessible.
Mayor Charles Kahwaty, who praised Donch’s foresight at the ceremony, noted the lasting impact of the acquisition: “Very few parcels of this size, particularly in northern New Jersey, have been preserved.”
At the same event, the preserve’s access road off Pettee Avenue in North Haledon was officially named Russ Schroeder Way, honoring the late councilman who was instrumental alongside Donch in the acquisition effort.
From Reservoir to Recreation: The Preserve’s History
The land’s history dates back to 1919 when the Molly Ann Brook was dammed to create the Haledon Reservoir, which provided drinking water to North Haledon, Haledon, and Prospect Park.
When the reservoir fell into disuse, the Borough of Franklin Lakes successfully purchased the property in 2006. This major acquisition was made possible through substantial contributions from the New Jersey Green Acres Program and the Bergen County Open Space Program.
Since opening for passive recreational use in 2011, the preserve has undergone extensive improvements, including:
- Infrastructure: Repairs to the Lower Dam Roadway and the main dam’s valves.
- Amenities: Addition of bridges, picnic tables, and a boating concession run by Ramsey Outdoor.
- Accessibility: Trail remediation, trail markers, and updated fencing.
Today, the G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve is a beloved oasis for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and tranquil escapes in a dense suburban area.
For more information on the preserve’s offerings, visit the Franklin Lakes borough website: franklinlakes.org.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
