Boro to Apply for Grant to Make Upgrades to Arboretum

The Shade Tree Commission is scrambling to submit a grant application to help fund much-needed improvements to the borough's arboretum off Wyckoff Road.

Referring to the park as one of the "jewels" of Eatontown, Councilman Meir Aramnan said has "major safety issues" that need to be addressed.

The state grant, worth up to $25,000, would pay for repairs and upgrades within the arboretum, according to a presentation given by two members of the commission at the Feb. 1 borough council workshop meeting.

The mayor and council authorized the borough engineer, T&M Associates, to complete the application with the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection by its Feb. 15 due date for a fee of $1,500.

If successful in obtaining the grant, which is awarded to develop and maintain recreational trails and facilities, the borough would be required to put up $6,200 match of cash or the fair market value of labor or materials.

According to Bob Wolf, chair of the Eatontown Shade Tree Commission, Bliss Price Arboretum is in need of "major upgrades" and the grant would be used to fund three projects within the 47-acre passive park.

Repair main trail erosion

Wolf said that erosion to the parking lot off Wyckoff Road has produced "ankle-breaking holes" that create a safety hazard for visitors. The plan calls for grading and laying gravel along the half-mile main trail, which he referred to as "the backbone of the arboretum," and allow wheel-chair accessibility to the park.

Develop trailhead signage at both entrances

A map of the trails within the arboretum, which was once a tree farm, would be installed at both ends of the park along with signs detailing the types of wildlife -- like the Great Horned Owl and red fox -- and plant specimins -- such as a persimmon grove -- that can be found along the trails.

"We're trying to make it a tad more inviting," said Wolf. "We want to attract people to the park.

Enhance existing trails for multi-use activities

Wolf, who was joined in the presentation by fellow member Barbara Olsavsky, said the grant would also be used to better define the three-and-a-half miles of walking loops and jogging trails and install mile markers.

Each of the three projects is estimated to cost approximately $10,000.

The mayor and council members also suggested the Shade Tree Commission members contact the and local troops about taking on some projects within the arboretum.

The state grant can also be reapplied for next year, said Robert Stetz of T&M Associates at the meeting.

Mayor Gerald Tarantolo said of the arboretum, "Most people don't even realize we have 50 acres of open space right in the center of town."