SOMERSET, NJ – Somerset County announced the acquisition of an additional 0.23 acres of vacant, wooded land along the Raritan River in Bridgewater Township. This acquisition is part of the county’s ongoing effort to expand the Raritan River Greenway.
The Raritan River Greenway is a linear park that extends along the Raritan River from the convergence of the North and South Branches to the Middlesex County boundary. The park runs through several municipalities in Somerset County, including Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Somerville, Raritan, Manville, Bound Brook, and South Bound Brook.
County officials noted that the expansion and preservation of the greenway will provide major benefits, such as protecting environmentally sensitive areas and allowing for recreational development. It also aims to preserve local character and manage development effectively.
According to the county, greenway expansion plays a crucial role in preventing the development of sensitive areas, offering both floodplain and aquifer recharge protection. The Raritan River Greenway now includes Duke Island Park’s 351 acres, bringing the total to 842 acres.
In the last decade, more than 22 acres have been added to the greenway through the county’s Open Space Preservation program. Approximately 20 additional acres in the same geographical area are currently under consideration for acquisition.
The greenway is anticipated to be an essential part of the future open space network in Somerset County. It will connect with the county’s award-winning Park System.
Somerset County’s efforts to enhance public space are ongoing as officials focus on sustainable developments. The greenway aims to maintain ecological integrity and promote community engagement while preserving natural resources.