County parks now open, social distancing remains in effect

County parks now open, social distancing remains in effect

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County parks and golf courses that are part of the Essex County Parks System have been reopened to the public, effective May 2. Parks will be open to the public for passive use only and golf courses will offer modified play, which is allowable according to the executive order issued […]

Get ready for Mayapple Trail Runs on May 16

Get ready for Mayapple Trail Runs on May 16

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Runners are invited to register for the 11th Mayapple Trail Runs to be held Saturday, May 16, in South Mountain Reservation. The races are organized by the volunteers of the South Mountain Conservancy with the support of the Essex County Parks Department. The USA Track and Field–sanctioned races provide an informal […]

Community comes out in force to oppose amphitheater plan

Residents call for conservation of reservation land; Adams misses TC meeting to speak out against plan

Community comes out in force to oppose amphitheater plan

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — Essex County officials held a public meeting on Jan. 21 about the proposed “conservation pavilion,” a 500-seat amphitheater to be built on the South Mountain Reservation northeast of the penguin pavilion at the Turtle Back Zoo. The meeting, held at the Essex County Police Academy in Cedar Grove, saw more than […]

WO Planning Board recommends changes to amphitheater plan

Maplewood officials discuss reservations about project

WO Planning Board recommends changes to amphitheater plan

WEST ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The West Orange Planning Board made seven recommendations to Essex County when the plan for a 500-seat amphitheater was presented at a Jan. 8 courtesy hearing featuring three witnesses and extensive questioning from the public. The Planning Board does not approve or deny county applications; the Board of Chosen […]

West Orange couple heads ‘to the bus!’ for costume contest

West Orange couple heads ‘to the bus!’ for costume contest

MAPLEWOOD / MILLBURN, NJ — West Orange’s Grant and Katie Johnson, center, and their dog, Olive, won first place in the Group Costume category at the Essex County Strut Your Mutt Canine Halloween Costume Contest in the South Mountain Dog Park on Oct. 26. The couple were dressed as Ralphie and Ms. Frizzle from “The […]

Mother Nature brings unicorns to county costume contest

Mother Nature brings unicorns to county costume contest

MAPLEWOOD / MILLBURN, NJ — West Orange resident Leslie Fleisher, center, and her dogs, Jamie, Lexi and Zelda, who were dressed as Mother Nature and three unicorns, won Best in Show at the Essex County Strut Your Mutt Canine Halloween Costume Contest in the South Mountain Dog Park on Oct. 26. Paying their respects to […]

WOCC meeting for small business owners

WOCC meeting for small business owners

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Essex County Office of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action, will host a lunch and learn workshop for small business owners from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. Lunch will be […]

‘Strut Your Mutt’ returns to Essex County

‘Strut Your Mutt’ returns to Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County dog owners are invited to display their creativity and participate in “Strut Your Mutt,” the county’s annual canine Halloween costume parade and contest. This year, four parades have been scheduled, with the newly-opened Branch Brook Dog Park hosting its first event. Participation is free.  Parade No. 1 will be […]

County to repair Tulip Springs Bridge

County to repair Tulip Springs Bridge

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., center, announced that work to repair the Tulip Springs Bridge in the South Mountain Reservation started Sept. 30. Built in 1920, the historic structure is undergoing a renovation. During construction, the roadway leading to the Tulip Springs picnic area will remain open.  Displaying an artist’s […]

Locals awarded for their photographs of Essex parks

Locals awarded for their photographs of Essex parks

ROSELAND, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. presented awards to the eight winners in the annual Essex County Parks Photography Contest. Winners were awarded in adult and youth categories and were recognized on Saturday, Sept. 28, during the Fall Family Festival at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland. “We congratulate the winners […]