Mahwah November 9, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Park will be improved with county, local funds by Frank J. McMahon The playground area at Mahwah’s Riverside Park will be improved through a $20,000 matching grant agreement between the township and the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland & Historic Preservation Trust Fund (County Trust Fund). The Mahwah Council recently passed a resolution authorizing Mayor John DaPuzzo and the council to execute that agreement. Riverside Park is located at the end of Reich Avenue, which is accessed from Ramapo Valley Road at the end of Island Road. The park contains two baseball diamonds and a soccer field with a small playground area and a storage shed. Mahwah Business Administrator Brian Campion previously explained to the council that the county’s open space trust fund tax was reduced this year from one cent per $100 of assessed property value to a quarter of a cent. As a result, there has been a reduction in the amount of available funds in the County Trust Fund. Campion explained, however, that the $20,000 matching grant will permit a $40,000 project such as the Riverside Park playground area. There was no public comment about the grant agreement at the meeting when the township council passed the resolution. The County Trust Fund provides matching grants to municipal governments and to nonprofit organizations for assistance in the development or redevelopment of municipal recreation facilities. The fund was created in 2003 when the residents of Bergen County voted to approve a referendum that permits county government to collect funds for open space preservation, recreational improvements, and farmland and historic preservation. The 2003 referendum eliminated the five-year sunset provision of the previous trust fund that was created in 1998, making the program permanent. According to information provided by Bergen County, the trust fund meets an increasing demand for high-quality open spaces to serve various functions ranging from largescale public spaces to a variety of smaller public spaces such as municipal parks and playing fields. The fund also provides money to protect the county’s remaining agricultural properties and preserve its historical landmarks. The Mahwah Public Library provides free concerts on Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are not necessary, and seating is provided on a “first come” basis. “Broadway Melodies and More” will be presented by the New Jersey Choral Society Chanteurs on Nov. 13. This Free Sunday Concert Series continues vocal ensemble includes 16 to 24 New Jersey Choral Society members who provide musical entertainment to the community or non-profit events. The library is located at 100 Ridge Road. For more information, call (201) 529-READ.