Hillsborough Township Receives $100,000 Open Space Trails Grant for Park Connectivity Project

HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP, NJ — A couple of local parks are getting a boost following a recent funding announcement from Somerset County. At their public meeting on June 23rd, the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners presented Hillsborough Township with a $100,000 grant through the Open Space Preservation Trails Grant Program.

The funding is designated for the Woodfield Estates to Ann Van Middlesworth Park Trails project. This initiative will pay for extensive improvements to roughly two-thirds of a mile of an existing off-road trail network. Once complete, the upgraded trail will connect Pleasant View Road to Marshall Road and Terhune Lane to Beekman Lane, serving as a pedestrian link between Woodfield Park and Ann Van Middlesworth Park.

"Securing this grant is a fantastic win for our community," said Hillsborough Township Mayor Catherine Payne. "Our open spaces are part of what makes Hillsborough such a wonderful place to live, and this funding allows us to protect and improve these natural assets while alleviating the direct financial impact on our local taxpayers."

A major focus of the upcoming project is resolving persistent infrastructure and environmental challenges. Township planners intend to utilize the current trail alignment but will upgrade the surface to meet safety and Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. The construction will incorporate a mix of pervious and impervious materials specifically chosen to improve local drainage and withstand local flooding and wetland conditions.

Beyond repairing the physical pathway, the project helps advance a broader regional effort. By strengthening trail connectivity and expanding walkable access to local municipal and county parklands, the township is helping fulfill the core goals of the Somerset County Walk, Bike, Hike Plan.

"We are incredibly eager to get to work on these trail enhancements," added Director of Parks & Recreation Griffin Dunne. "By using durable, flood-resistant materials, we are creating a long-term solution that keeps our trail system usable, safe, and reliable for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year."

Residents interested in reading more about the regional vision for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure can find additional details on the county website by searching for the Somerset County Walk, Bike, Hike Plan.

About Hillsborough Township

Hillsborough Township is a Somerset County community governed by a five-member Township Committee and committed to transparent government, responsive services, and a high quality of life for all residents.

More News from Hillsborough

• Leadership Update: Douglas Herring Steps Into Montgomery Committee Role Barragan’s June resignation triggers a state‑mandated same‑party appointment process.
• Franklin Township Police Earn Fifth Consecutive Accreditation A rare statewide achievement highlighting the department’s commitment to excellence and community trust.