photo courtesy of the Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Village of Ridgewood is moving forward with a new pavilion at Habernickel Park, replacing the old barn that was torn down last year due to structural, security, and infestation concerns. While some residents are excited about the addition, others are questioning the prioritization and allocation of funds for the project.
New Pavilion Coming This Spring
Ridgewood Village Manager Keith Kazmark shared his enthusiasm on Facebook, stating:
“Absolutely thrilled to see the pavilion at Habernickel Park coming to life. Located between the ball field and the playground, the structure will provide shade and cover in inclement weather for spectators, visitors, players, and community groups. Looking forward to the opening this spring!”
The open-air pavilion will include permanent restrooms, picnic benches, and a community gathering space, offering much-needed shelter during sporting events and other activities.
Why Was the Barn Removed?
The old barn at Habernickel Park had long been deteriorating, and according to Mayor Paul Vagianos, it was in such poor condition that it “should’ve been razed years ago.” The decision to demolish the barn was made at a December Village Council meeting, with multiple department directors recommending its removal.
A $340K Price Tag – Is It Justified?
Despite Ridgewood having several other parks and fields without storm shelters or permanent restrooms—such as Citizen’s Field and Lower Hawes—the Village Council has chosen to allocate $340,000 of taxpayer funds for this pavilion. Some residents are questioning why no needs analysis or prioritization process was conducted to determine which location needed it most.
Concerns Over Private Use of Public Space
Another controversy surrounding the pavilion is the role of Healthbarn USA, a privately owned business that operates on Village-owned land. Nancy Bigos, the Parks & Recreation Director, previously stated that once the pavilion is completed, Healthbarn USA will be allowed to reserve it for commercial use—without charge—despite taxpayers fully funding its construction.
Final Thoughts
While the Habernickel Park pavilion is being celebrated as an investment in Ridgewood’s open space, its cost, prioritization, and potential private use raise valid concerns. Should taxpayer dollars be used for a pavilion at Habernickel when other parks also lack essential facilities?
Let us know what you think in the comments!
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I’m sure it’s gonna look nice when it’s done, but do we really need this. Spending 340,000 was really important.
When there are so many improvements required in this village, this was not needed. A simple shelter woukd have sufficed. Guess it pays to know people in high places.
HeathBarn gave a huge windfall to the Mayor
that needs to be investigated for sure…and the manager
A big waste of money.
its for health barn to profit more off of our tax dollars. do the math and a little investigating!!!
DOGE Ridgewood and follow that money…..
you will never have DOGE in New Jersey, corruption is what makes New Jersey, New Jersey
Takes the attention away from Massachusetts and Illinois
I’m not up on all the details, but the Healthbarn arrangement appears to be a conflict, a bit fishy at best. I’m not sure that the state’s democratic law enforcement can be trusted to review this, but someone should look into this.
for profit in a green acres park funded by tax payers dollars. more than fishy
Just wait, there’s more! A bathroom will be installed too next year, which is why a simple lightning shelter was going to be enough for their favorite tenant. Will it be a $4M golden toilet?
It better be gender neutral is all I’m saying.
will the bathrooms be locked? who has the key? Stacy? seems bizarre and an odd place for such a structure
Remember like we told you there are people running the town from behind the curtain. And if they don’t like you while the push you out the door very political bullshit.
Are they hiring a DEI officer ?
There is no reason why Healthbarn should be getting the space for free, regardless of whatever contribution made or help given to the mayor. That is not in the interests of the taxpayers, and so should not be allowed.
There was NO misplaced priority! Stacey helped Vagianos and Team (including Hache) get 4M dollars.
FOUR MILLION DOLLARS OF TAX PAYER MONEY. There is no trace / paperwork of where the food was delivered to, or if it was even delivered to!
Paul has to pay back! This covered pavilion will help her increase her summer camp revenues.
wait, that 4 million Stacy took from Nj went to Ramon? our Mayor ? who else? why no trace? no one cares about this? is this true?
Healthbarn used their non profit mailing list for Mayor’s election campaign and to spread fake news during election times.
All beyond fishy and unacceptable since day one. Then-Village Manager Sonenfeld should never have given that house to Health Barn in the first place.
As for the new structure, if a for-profit business wants to rent, they can rent, not merely reserve. Wrong, wrong, wrong. As a longtime taxpayer, I object strongly.
wow wow wow. this all seems so corrupt. what can we do? plus it is huge and butt ugly