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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 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.

Morris Park Alliance, PO Box 1295, Morristown, NJ 07962

parkalliance@morrisparks.net
973.631.5273

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 the recent pandemic and the subsequent stressful times, county parks have been 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.

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 on line at www.morrisparkalliance.org, or mail a check to Morris Park Alliance at PO Box 1295, Morristown, NJ 07962-1295. Thank you for your consideration and ENJOY THE PARKS! 

Current Project

 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.

Golf Outing

The 2023 Golf Outing will be held at Berkshire Valley Golf Course on September 18th at 9 am. Registration is $175 and includes breakfast and a barbecue lunch. Sponsorship opportunities and a special team registration are also available. dlanza@morrisparks.net

Spring Forward 5K

The Second Annual Spring Forward 5K was held on April 16th. One hundred and seventy-five people ran and walked on a clear spring day at Central Park of Morris County. Winners were Jack Tedesco (20.14) and Aubrey Johnson (21.26). Thanks to our sponsors: Fleet Feet Morristown, Cycle Craft, Dr. James O’Rourke, Mexican Spice Restaurant, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Atlantic Health System – Morristown Medical Center, Smart Choice Painting, Benjamin F Edwards LLC, Park Commissioner Julie Baron, and Shop Rite of Greater Morristown.

    

Note Cards are In!

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

Park Alliance Brings Bike Share to Loantaka Brook Reservation - Morris Moves!  Get Outside and Ride!

The Morris Park Alliance is working with a new vendor (Koloni Inc.) to bring the bike share program back to Loantaka Brook Reservation after the previous vendor went out of business. The Alliance is pleased to offer Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center, the Community Foundation of New Jersey, and Delta Dental continued promotional opportunities as sponsors of the previous contract. Fourteen bikes are located at three stations – South Street, Kitchell Road, and Loantaka Way. Users access the bikes via the Koloni mobile app. The program is designed to offer convenience and value to park visitors. A portion of the user fee will be returned to the Alliance and used for trail maintenance at the park. We look forward to many enjoyable rides!

Picnic Shelter at Central Park of Morris County

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 reserved for parties, picnics, and special events. Installation was donated by Turner Construction Company of Somerset, and donations were received from the Gannett Company and generous individuals. A concrete floor is planned to be installed in 2022. At the ribbon cutting were (L to R) Board members Greg Stewart and Joe Nazzaro, Board President John Van Brunt, Turner Assistant Superintendent Raissa Dias, Turner VP and General Manager Larry Boresen, Jr., and Board member Ed Ramirez. 

    

The Don Palmer Memorial Internship Program

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.

Jets Play 60 All Access Playground

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.

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center Exhibits

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 and it is home to several critical habitats. Your support for the fabrication of the new exhibits would be greatly appreciated.

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

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 info@parkalliance.net
 

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:

  • John Van Brunt, President
  • Stephanie Brumby, Vice President
  • Marlene Caprio, Secretary
  • Dr. Joseph Nazzaro, Treasurer
  • Stuart Lasser, Park Commission Liaison
  • Matthew Tal, Park Commission Alternate Liaison
  • Francis P. Alai
  • Phil Sheehy
  • Patrick Lobdell
  • Dr. Bette Simmons
  • John Van Brunt
  • Greg Stewart
  • Deb Nexon
  • Ed Ramirez
  • Mark Stevens
  • Michael Killen