Morris Park Alliance
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The Morris Park Alliance provides vital support to the Morris County Park system ensuring residents have continued access to green open spaces, enrichment programs, and educational resources that foster personal and community wellness, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
Support the Morris Park Alliance
Support the Morris Park Alliance – donations are always welcome and help us support the beautiful Morris County Park System! Click the donate button below to make a PayPal or Credit Card, Venmo and Apple Pay donation. Thank you!
Information filed with the attorney general concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the attorney general of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215 and is available on the internet at http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. Registration with the attorney general does not imply endorsement.
Join the Park Alliance to replant trees in the park system. Many trees have been lost to the Emerald Ash Borer and the Beech Tree Nematode. Tens of thousands of dollars have been spent in removal and replacement. Through this shoe collection fundraiser, the Alliance will help fund the purchase of new trees. New and gently used shoes can be dropped off at 5 park locations (check the Park Commission’s website for operating hours) and Connect One Bank on South Street in Morristown. The collection runs until May 22. Thank you!
Please consider investing in the Morris County Park System with us. Let’s make good on the promise to preserve parks and the experiences they make possible. Donating is easy online or by mailing a check. Thank you for your consideration and enjoy the parks!
PO Box 1295
Morristown, NJ 07962-1295
TEL: 973.631.5273
EMAIL: parkalliance@morrisparks.net
What Do the Parks Mean to You?
Perhaps you like golf? Walking or hiking? Soccer? Building memories picnicking with family and friends? Visiting the beautiful gardens? Taking the kids swimming or sledding? Enjoying a class or special event? Whatever your favorite activity, you understand the benefits of these outings. The Morris Park Alliance shares that understanding and that is why we support the Park Commission in providing parks, open space, conservation, education, and recreation.
During stressful times, county parks are a saving grace. As the non-profit organization enhancing the Morris County park system, we know that preserving parks for future generations is a critical task. It is a perpetual mission; providing services today and ensuring that parks endure for those who come after us. A report of recent activities can be found by clicking here. Your generous support of projects of the Morris Park Alliance has resulted in enhancements to programs and facilities. For example, the construction of the inclusive Jets Play 60 All Access Playground would not have been possible without many donors at all levels. Providing a place for children of all abilities to play together means so much to so many. Donors help the Alliance close the gap between operating costs and County tax support of 31%.
Board of Directors
The Alliance is led by a group of dedicated volunteers who meet on a monthly basis. Each board member personally supports the projects of the Alliance with annual donations. The current members of the board are:
- Marlene Caprio, President
- Adam Van der Mast, Vice President
- Claudia Esker, Secretary
- Jane Kurek, Treasurer
- Richard Seabury llll, Park Commission Alternate Liaison
- Stuart Lasser, Park Commission Liaison
- John Van Brunt
- Dr. Joseph Nazzaro
- Francis P. Alai, Counsel
- Phil Sheehy
- Patrick Lobdell
- Dr. Bette Simmons
- John Van Brunt
- Greg Stewart
- Daniel Umana
- AnnaMarie Mock
- Michael Killen
- Dr. Billy Stetzel
- Kim Brennan
- Abbie Klein
Current Projects
Fitness Equipment – Supported by major grants from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, and the Craig Neilsen Foundation, the Park Alliance’s latest project is Outdoor Fitness Equipment, to be placed at Central Park of Morris County. The seven-unit cluster will include several pieces of equipment that will be usable by persons in wheelchairs. The equipment will be free to use and will benefit those seeking to increase their physical activity. A partnership with Morristown Medical Center for onsite information is being considered.
Spring Forward 5-10K – The 2026 walk/run will be held at Central Park of Morris County on April 19th. The event is held on the cross-country trail at the park. All participants receive a completion medal, and tee shirts are available. This year’s event will support the Tree Treasury fund to help restore forested areas in the parks after the Emerald Ash Borer and the Beech Tree nematode losses.
Golf Outing – The 2025 outing was held at Berkshire Valley Golf Course in September. Registrations topped out at 135 golfers – the largest event ever! The winning team scored an amazing 21 under par. Congratulations to Elijah Caparoso and his team. The 2026 outing will again be held at Berkshire Valley, on September 14th. Registration will be available on Berkshire Valley’s website this summer.
Support the Park Alliance with the purchase of beautiful note cards highlighting elements of watercolors by Martha Brooks Hutcheson. Ms. Hutcheson was one of the first female landscape architects and lived at the Merchiston Farm in Chester. The farm is now Bamboo Brook, a Facility of the Morris County Park Commission.The newest notecards feature elements of paintings by Matilda Frelinghuysen, donor of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Her paintings are reminiscent of folk art style. Each card is 5 x 7 inches and comes with an envelope in a protective cellophane bag. Cards are $4.00 each or choose 3 for $10.00. Shipping costs will be provided with order confirmation. To order contact dlanza@morrisparks.net, or 973.326.7615
Morris Moves Bike Share – The Park Alliance partners with Koloni Inc., to provide the bike share program at Loantaka Brook Reservation. Bike stations are located at South Street, Kitchell Road, and Loantaka Way. Due to use patterns, bikes may be moved between stations. Bikes are in place seasonally from spring through fall. Sponsorships for the bike program are always welcome.
Schools in low-income areas cannot always take advantage of the wonderful field trips presented by Park Commission staff. The Alliance has opened up an account that helps fund class fees for these schools. School eligibility is based on the NJ Free and Reduced Lunch program. In some cases, a portion of the busing fee can also be covered if funds are available. The account is supported by foundation grants and donations.
The new picnic shelter at Central Park of Morris County is complete! Donated by the Alliance, the shelter is located next to the Jets Play 60 All Access Playground. It can be reserved for parties, picnics, and special events.
New tables and a concrete floor have been added by the Park Commission. The new floor and entrance path make the site more accessible.
Langdon “Don” Palmer was a Park Commissioner and a leader in land conservation in Morris County. Don was at the forefront of establishing the Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Fund. He also served as Chairman of The Nature Conservancy and President of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. He was a leader of The Trust for Public Land, Morris Land Conservancy, Washington Township Land Trust, and the Morris County Agricultural Development Board. Upon his passing, Don’s friends established the Don Palmer Memorial Internship Fund in 2000. Since then, grants of $2500 have been provided for two internships to non-profit or government agencies for projects related to conservation, open space, and natural resource protection. Click here to download the PDF application. A final report of the intern’s activities is due by December 31. For more information, contact the Park Alliance office at 973.631.5273.
Many trees in the park system have been decimated by the Emerald Ash Borer and the Beech Tree nematode. The Alliance has an account that can be tapped into to help reforest park areas. Volunteers have helped replant these areas. Since 2020, the Morris County Park Commission has had to remove more than 4000 damaged trees at a cost of $1.3 million, and replanted approximately 800 trees so far. We look forward to being able to help this important effort.
The Jets Play 60 All Access Playground is one of the most popular places in the park system! The playground was designed with the idea that all children should be able to play together. It is unlike any other playground in the area, and has become a regional attraction in a very short time. To support the playground, use the Donate button on this page. A donation of $250 receives a commemorative balloon plaque placed on the fence. The playground received the Ruth Hughes Innovative Accessible Recreation Facility Award from the NJ Commission on Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities.
Some families cannot afford to send their children to summer camp. The Alliance is hoping to provide some assistance for children to attend Park Commission opportunities. These are not traditional full season camps, but theme focused, interactive, fun filled 1-to-2-week sessions. Eligible children are those who receive free or reduced lunch at school. Applications are available from camp supervisors.
Many of the exhibits at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township were kindly created by volunteers when the Center opened – 50 years ago! An effort is underway to create new exhibits that bring the animals and plants of the swamp, and the importance of this ecosystem, to children and adults as they visit the Center. The Center is a buffer between man and nature andit is home to several critical habitats. Your support for the fabrication of the new exhibits would be greatly appreciated.
Supporters can donate toward activities at Mennen Arena by sponsoring dasherboards, a commemorative brick in the courtyard, or selecting larger promotional support opportunities. Contact dlanza@morrisparks.net
Other Donation Opportunities
- Stars Plaza at Mennen Arena – recognize and honor a family member, team, hockey player, skater, coach, etc. with a commemorative brick on the entrance plaza.
- Dog Parks – support is provided for supplies and equipment at both Lewis Morris Park and Central Park of Morris County.
If you are interested in supporting one of these projects, or another program or facility of the Park Commission, please contact the Morris Park Alliance by phone at 973.631.5273 or parkalliance@morrisparks.net.