Memorial Park Restoration
LOCATION: Christopher Columbus Middle School complex in Clifton, NJ at the intersection of Route 46 and Main Avenue.
BACKGROUND: The total park complex consists of approximately 35 acres in size and is a significant resource used by the residents of the City of Clifton for a variety of recreational activities. These activities include organized sports such as baseball, softball, football, soccer, track and field, as well as tennis, multiuse paths, sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, children’s playground and concerts. There is also a 2.7 acre pond which is a focal point as well as the recipient of storm water conveyed from a portion of the City’s storm water collection system encompassing approximately 100 acres. Memorial Pond discharges to Weasel Brook, which ultimately discharges to the Passaic River. The park also includes a war memorial.
PURPOSE: As part of a Natural Resource Damage Settlement with ITT, this restoration project provides an environmental benefit to the Passaic River (receptor) for the groundwater contamination. The Companies’ properties are located in Clifton, Nutley, Midland Park and Fairfield, and are all located within groundwater aquifers, which ultimately discharge to the Passaic River.
FUNDING: ITT funded the project. It is maintained by the City of Clifton.
SUMMARY: The project was a cooperative effort between representatives of the City of Clifton, the Companies and the NJDEP and consisted of:
Storm Water Treatment System to remove floatables and sediments from the upgradient storm water collection system prior to discharge to the Memorial Pond,
Pond Aeration Systems – to improve the water quality in the pond by maintaining dissolved oxygen levels and biological oxidation,
Trash Receptacles – 10 new trash receptacles were installed within the park to provide more durable disposal receptacles so that litter within the park and pond was minimized.
Outlet Pipe Netting – to capture any large debris that the storm water treatment system does not retain and prevent it from entering the pond.
Tree and Pond Plantings – Installation of trees and wetland plantings at the edge of the pond to enhance the aesthetics of the park and provide buffers between the park and the athletic fields. 60 trees comprised of Oak and Eastern Red Bud was installed throughout the park. In addition, 800 linear feet of Iris or other variety wetland plantings were installed at the edge of the pond.
Restoration Work – All areas disturbed were restored as appropriate with topsoil, fertilizer, seed and repaving.
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