WISNIEWSKI: EXPLORE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
TO KEEP PARKS OPEN
Assemblyman Says State Should Consider Asking Business Community
To Partner in Effort to Keep Parks Operational

(SAYREVILLE) - Seeking to avert the closure of nine state parks and the reduction in services at three others, Assemblyman John Wisniewski today suggested the administration seek private partners willing to assume operations at the facilities to keep them open to the public and ensure the properties do not fall into disrepair.

"With the right business partners, New Jersey can ensure all of its parks remain open for residents and tourists to enjoy," said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). "The state parks slated for closure are a significant draw for thousands of visitors. This should be an opportunity for us to seek creating public-private partnerships that would benefit the state, the environment, and the economy."

Wisniewski proposed the state submit a formal request for proposals from businesses interested in assuming operations - including staffing - at 12 parks set either to close or see a reduction in hours and services. He said handing-over daily functions at the parks to a private entity would meet the Governor's goal of reducing budgetary costs while ensuring the state retain control of the facilities, which total more than 85,000 acres.

Earlier this week, the state Department of Environmental Protection released a list of nine state parks and forests slated for closure:

• Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Burlington County;
• Fort Mott State Park, Salem County;
• High Point State Park, Sussex County;
• Jenny Jump State Forest, Warren County;
• Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Monmouth County;
• Parvin State Park, Salem County;
• Round Valley Recreation Area, Hunterdon County;
• Stephens State Park, Warren County;
• Worthington State Forest, Warren County.

In addition, the department also said operations at three other parks - D&R Canal State Park, Ringwood State Park, and Washington Crossing State Park - would be significantly scaled-back.

The changes are expected to pare $4.5 million in state spending.

"We cannot allow such valuable open space to fall into neglect and disrepair," said Wisniewski. "Keeping these parks and forests open and operating is vital to ensuring their preservation and continuation for future generations to enjoy. Since the state does not have the money to do it alone, it must be willing to look to the private sector."

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