County cuts the ribbon on gardens in Monte Irvin Orange Park

Photo Courtesy of Essex County
Officials gather at Monte Irvin Orange Park earlier this month to cut the ribbon on the park’s formal gardens, which were recently upgraded.

ORANGE, NJ — Earlier this month, Essex County cut a ribbon on the Monte Irvin Orange Park’s formal gardens, which were recently updated. Located in the southern section of the park near the intersection of South Center and Harrison streets in Orange, the gardens were updated with new plantings and repairs to the irrigation system.

“We are continually looking to improve and update the amenities throughout our historic parks system,” Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. said. “Updating the gardens will provide visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a passive and serene setting.”

“This is an amazing garden and the work that was done here mimics the original Olmsted design very closely. We are very pleased with the work,” said Karen Wells, a member of the Orange Historical Society. She was joined by fellow members Kathy Dowd and Judy Leight.

French and Parrello from Wall designed the improvements under an existing contract. Clarke Moynihan Landscaping and Construction from Andover was awarded a publicly bid contract for $108,400 to perform the construction. The Essex County Department of Public Works monitored the project to ensure delays were avoided. The improvements were funded with a grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund.