August 14, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Mahwah Environmental commission to hold ‘Parks Day’ by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Environmental Commission has announced that Oct. 12, 2013 has been designated “Mahwah Parks Day” to raise awareness and to promote the use of the township’s open spaces. The Mahwah Environmental Commission is an advi- sory body whose role is to assist the township’s planning board in understanding the complex issues affecting the environment and to promote conservation and stewardship of the town’s natural resources, both with consideration of protecting property values and public health. Gregg Sgambati, a member of the commission and the chairman of the Mahwah Parks Day Project, advised that the commission would like the participation of other public and private organizations to host events that encourage patrons to visit the outdoor facilities on this day. The day will be preceded by a campaign to promote events and pro- vide information about the facilities. Sgambati advised there are 10 township facilities, five county facilities, and one state park located within the town’s boundaries. The commission wants all public and private organizations to participate in the day’s events by hosting outdoor events and get-togethers. “The commission wishes to promote the use, conserva- tion, and stewardship of these open space natural resources by all town and county residents,” Sgambati said. “Mahwah has been known informally as Bergen’s Parkland and nearly half of the town’s area is open space and much of that is designated as New Jersey Highlands.” Mayor William Laforet also promoted the event, saying, “Our legacy is the footprint we leave on the environment.” He asked county residents “to join the Mahwah Environ- mental Commission and enjoy the parks we have in our Support for MMA Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer, left, and Ramapo College Foundation Executive Director Cathy Davey, right, presented a $1,500 check for the Mahwah Municipal Alliance to Lieu- tenant Jeff Dino. The dona- tion was made on behalf of faculty, staff, and students for the services the MMA pro- vides to the Ramapo College community. (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Herring.) community.” The parks and facilities located in Mahwah include: Continental Soldier’s Park on Ramapo Valley Road; Win- ter’s Park on East Ramapo Avenue; Commodore Perry Field on East Ramapo Avenue; Riverside Field on Reich Avenue off Route 202; Stag Hill Field on Stag Hill Road; Fardale Field on Chapel Road behind the George Washington School; Silver Creek Park/Sam Braen Field at Airmont and Airmount roads; Koufax Field, which is part of the Silver Creek Park facility; Memorial Field, which is also part of the Silver Creek Park facility; Ramapo Valley County Res- ervation; Campgaw Mountain County Reservation; Camp Glen Gray, which is a Bergen County facility; Campgaw Ski Area, which is also a Bergen County facility; and Dar- lington County Park. Sgambati emphasized that the environmental commis- sion is asking governmental and private organizations to host events in these facilities so patrons can witness the benefits of outdoor recreation on an October day near the peak of autumn color. Anyone interested in this event may contact Sgambati at (201) 252-2444 or citizen.gregg@gmx.com for more infor- mation about Mahwah Parks Day.