New signs encourage greater use of parks

About 1,138 acres of public parkland valued at $154 million is now owned by the two Princetons.

By: David Campbell
   Under a new program by the Princeton Environmental Commission to encourage greater use of parks in Princeton Township and Princeton Borough, the township has erected several new signs at selected parks.
   About 1,138 acres of public parkland valued at $154 million is now owned by the two municipalities, with 23 parks in the township and 13 in the borough.
   The first step in generating greater use of the parks is to raise awareness of these lands through new signage, the commission said.
   In 2002, the township levied a fine of $25,000 on a homeowner for the illegal removal of trees in one of the municipality’s parks.
   About half these funds were used for new signs at some parks to attract more attention from passing residents, and new trees to enhance the entrances to certain parks, the commission said.
   In the future, recommended bike, hike and picnic trips that the whole family can take will be created and publicized by the commission.
   A map is also under development with help from various township departments and committees that will depict hiking and biking paths, trails and linkages. The map will be updated as improvements are made to these resources in conjunction with the Princeton Community Master Plan, the commission said.
   "So pump up those tires, put on the walking shoes, pack a lunch and get out to visit some of the wonderful Princeton open spaces," said commission Chairman David Breithaupt.