The proposed plan would change the definition of open space to include active recreation as one of the possible uses.
By: Jessica Beym
To accommodate demand for more playing fields, the Township Committee introduced an ordinance Monday that would allow it to use municipally owned open space for active recreation.
Currently, township-owned open space can only be used for agricultural purposes and passive recreation, which includes activities such as hiking, walking, photography or nature study.
The change if approved by the committee after a public hearing at 7 p.m. May 8 would amend the definition of open space to include active recreation as one of the possible uses, which is permitted under the state Green Acres program.
If approved, all existing open space not specifically designated for agricultural use could be considered for active recreation areas in the future.
Township Committeeman Richard Stannard said he sees the ordinance as a "housekeeping" change that would allow the township to move faster planning for more park space.
Judy Dossin, the chair of the Parks Commission, said Monday that the proposal is the most important land use change the township has considered in the last 10 years.
"We are in desperate need of future park space and this would let the township plan for park space over the next 20 to 30 years," Ms. Dossin said.
This season, the Parks Commission and Board of Recreation Commissioners have been faced with a need for more park space, specifically for organized team sports.
In addition, the Township Committee announced on April 17 that it has budgeted $50,000 to hire a recreation and parks director that would be responsible for managing the township’s fields and park space.
Ms. Dossin urged the Township Committee to keep in mind the number of residents who prefer alternative and passive recreation. Alternative recreation involves activities such as golf, Frisbee, kayaking or horseback-riding.
"There is a need, although you don’t hear it as often, for alternative parks with bike paths or boccie," Ms. Dossin said.
The township’s land-use code defines open space as "any parcel of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for agricultural uses or passive recreation." This restricts the town from using any of its land designated as open space for organized team sports or alternative recreation.
According to the ordinance, would replace the words "passive recreation" with "conservation or recreation."
It would also read "Unless otherwise restricted by deed or other document, any Township-owned open space may be used for all purposes consistent with the requirements of the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program, including both active and passive recreation."
There are two active recreational parks in the township: Millstone, a 12-acre park on Old Trenton Road that features playing fields and a picnic grove area, and Village, a 19-acre parcel on Maplewood Avenue that features ball fields, tennis courts, a major playground structure, gazebo and picnic areas.
Heritage, a 10-acre park on South Main Street and Old Trenton Road, only allows alternative recreation and Memorial, a half-acre park across from Brainerd Lake on South Main Street, has a small seating area. The Cranbury Brook Preserve on South Main Street and the Unami Woods on Wynnewood Drive offer passive recreation.

