Tamarack Park opens

By Liam Donovan
Byram - It was over a decade in the making, but the new Tamarack park is now open to the public.
Byram Township held an opening ceremony for the new park off Route 206 on Friday evening. The park has two sports fields and connects to Byram's many trails.
“Mayor Oscovitch could not be here today, but said ‘I thank and applaud all those who made this a success.’ I second the mayor’s statements.Let’s go out and enjoy what we have,” Councilman Scott Olson said.
“Our town has great fields, but they get used a lot. We needed more open fields,” Ray Bonker of the Byram Township Open Space Committee said.
“We began this particular project way back in 2005. It’s been twelve years, but we’re finally completing it today. As the ancient Greeks extolled us to do, [this park] will help our citizens maintain a sound mind in a sound body,” Bonker said.
“A huge congratulations on your beautiful new park to Byram Township,” Sandy Urgo of the Land Conservancy of New Jersey said.
After the opening ceremony the crowd moved to the Tamarack Park street entrance for the official inauguration of the park. Ray Bonker draped a ribbon over the park’s gate, cut the ribbon, and officially opened the park to the public. The crowd dispersed towards a tent set up in the park for refreshments.
“I’m already looking forward to walking on the trails. My son Travis and I are going to do it tomorrow,” Sharon Finan said.
The hike was slated for Saturday morning at 9:00 am. The hike began at the Tamarack Park athletic fields. The Tamarack Park Trail connects Byram Township's greenways, established trails, and community focal points. The trail extends from Tamarack Park to C. O. Johnson Park at Roseville Road, a 1.6 mile hike or bike. The terrain varies. There are glacial erratics, Johnson Lake, vistas and old farm carriage ways.
“It’s beautiful. I’m happy to have a park close to my house,” Katie Rosa said.
“We can’t wait to get out and hike on the trails,” Kelly Wertman said.
“We’ve been working on this park for so many years. It’s so great to see it come to life,” Donna Griff, former Byram town council member, said.