Union County Removes Carousel, Train, Rink From Clark Reservoir Project Plans

CLARK, NJ — The county has revised its plans for a recreation area on the Clark Reservoir, a project that residents in the vicinity had asked officials to scale back .

Features including an electric train for children, a carousel and an ice skating rink were removed from the revised plans based on community feedback, the county announced this week.

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Clark residents who had formed a committee and developed an alternate plan for the reservoir project had objected to those features, citing environmental, privacy and safety concerns.

The Rahway River Watershed Association (RRWA), a nonprofit that has operated for more than 30 years to protect and restore the watershed, also opposed the carousel, train and other parts of the plan which “will disturb the natural ecosystem of the preserve,” the organization’s board of directors told TAPinto in July.

County officials say the updated plan prioritizes essential environmental improvements, such as dredging the reservoir, and creating a space that embraces the reservoir area’s natural charm.

“New additions like unpaved walking paths, duck boats, non-motorized sports options including canoes, kayaks, and a fishing pier will offer residents a serene and enjoyable recreational experience,” the county announcement says.

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“We are fully committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Clark Reservoir while addressing its critical environmental challenges,” County Manager Ed Oatman said. “In response to our residents, we have refined our approach to focus on essential improvements that balance ecological preservation with thoughtful recreational enhancements. This project ensures that all residents and visitors in our county have access to the reservoir as a serene, sustainable resource to enjoy.”

Clark Resident Diana Gonzalez, an organizer with the Clark Reservoir Committee, told TAPinto that the group is pleased with town and county leadership for being open to their counter proposal.

“We are eager to see the revised plan,” Gonzalez said. “While the elimination of the more egregious amusement park-type amenities and reduction of impervious surfaces is a huge win for the community, there are some aspects that still remain unclear or undesirable.”

“We are grateful to all the residents and supporters who contributed to lawn signs, provided feedback, signed the petition and showed up to meetings,” she said.

The committee still objects to some elements that may still be parts of the plan, such as a boat ramp at the Wendell Place cul-de-sac and parking on Lakeside Boulevard.

Clark Reservoir Committee has a preference for the walkway from the forest adjacent to St. Agnes Church to run down to the Madison Hill Road intersection, so pedestrians may cross at a proper intersection and traffic light, Gonzalez said.

In the latest county proposal, the walkway would run behind Frances Drive, with a pedestrian light crossing over Raritan Road to Featherbed Lane, which the committee feels is dangerous for pedestrians.

The committee of residents is also waiting for verification of how much forest adjacent to St. Agnes will be saved.

“Previous estimates entailed 8 acres of deforestation,” Gonzalez said.

The Clark Reservoir project page on the Union County website indicates that an updated concept plan will be coming soon.

This story was made possible through a collaboration of TAPinto sites in Union County.

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