HGA prepared an update to New Providence’s Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) to be consistent with the Green Acres program and lay the groundwork for future park upgrades and development. The Borough adopted its last OSRP in 2006, and since that time have acquired an additional 20 acres of open space and secured grant funding to provide continued maintenance and upgrades to its various parks and open spaces.

The Borough contains over 190 acres of Borough-owned open space, 90 acres of County-owned open space, and 58 acres of public school property as well as an additional 22 acres of private recreation opportunities. The Plan was developed to support the Borough’s overarching open space goals of preserving additional land where feasible, improving accessibility to all facilities, and identifying opportunities to enhance flood resilience through green infrastructure and flood storage improvements.

Since the 2006 OSRP, the Borough has seen a shift in its demographics as the population is aging and there is a greater demand for accessible facilities in its various parks and recreation areas. There have been additional shifts in recreation trends, as pickleball and cricket have significantly increased in popularity, so much so that the new OSRP and the Borough plan for expansions to these facilities. The OSRP also encourages the Borough to take advantage of funding available to construct completely inclusive playgrounds pursuant to “Jake’s Law.”