Nereid Boat Launch Featured in the South Bergenite

This article originally appeared in the South Bergenite. Click here to read the full article. 

Green Acres funds paid for public park, dock.

Canoers and kayakers will have access to a public boat launch at the Passaic River area of West Pierrepont Avenue at River Road.

Until recently, the area only had private access, for the Nereid Boat Club, on site.

Establishing public access through a boat launch marks a turning point for the river.

Green Acres funds paid for public park, dock.

Canoers and kayakers will have access to a public boat launch at the Passaic River area of West Pierrepont Avenue at River Road.

Until recently, the area only had private access, for the Nereid Boat Club, on site.

Establishing public access through a boat launch marks a turning point for the river.

"We are at the forefront of the evolution of the Passaic River." said Councilwoman Kim Birdsall. "This will reassure activities continue and people utilize the river and riverfront as well as pursue recreational development plans along the riverfront, including a Green Team bike path near Memorial Field. I hope it's the beginning of the evolution of the area. Other towns are built around universities or rowing clubs. We have both."

The Nereid Boat Club in a partnership with the borough, spurred the open space access for boat launch efforts.

"The rowing industry in the community consistently utilizes the river and it's a great asset for Rutherford to promote within the community," said Nereid Boat Club member Erin Martin.

The Lower Passaic Cooperating Parties Group (LOPCPG), which donated $75,000 to the project, supports efforts of the Nereid Boat Club to upgrade its soft riverbank, restoring the natural ecology. "This type of project fits well within our broader Community Improvement Fund, which supports local projects that improve the quality of water flowing into the Lower Passaic River. The boat club has been an amenity to the Rutherford community for many years; it is a pleasure for the CPG to help such a strong organization fulfill its mission," said Jonathan Jaffe of LPCPG, a group of 70 companies committed to cleanup of t he Passaic River.