The kind of open space that's so rare in Bergen County (obviously, it cost almost $1 million for the three + acres) and that's why it's so cool it will be preserved forever!
Plans to preserve historic property as park
By Thomas Clancey
of Northern Valley Press
It will have a new name - “Bonnabel Nature Park at Lachmund’s Bend” -but this historic piece of property on the Hackensack River is set to be preserved as open space forever.
The Bonnabel Park Advisory Committee met with the Old Tappan Mayor and Council on March 16 to outline their plans for the three-plus acre parcel that was purchased by the borough on Oct. 17, 2007.
The committee has proposed an environmentally sensitive cleanup effort and the creation of a recreation area highlighted by walking paths, picnic tables and benches.
“We have planned a place where the public can relax, walk, picnic and reel in a few fish,” said Barry Kruger, chairman of the park’s advisory committee.
Purchased from the Bonnabel family for $950,000, the borough has recouped significant dollars by securing about $527,000 in grants and open space funding. Additionally, the Bonnabel family donated $50,000 from the cost back to the borough and the town is the subject of a pending $25,000 federal grant to aid in the cost of trails.
“This beautiful property will forever be restricted from development, preserving the natural surroundings and the large shade trees,” said Kruger. “This property is a valuable addition to the borough’s growing open space inventory.”
The park is environmentally sensitive as it abuts a C-1 waterway. It is also connected to a substantial amount of undeveloped acreage owned by the Hackensack Water Company.
(View of the Hackensack at Bonnabel park)
The committee’s planned cleanup consists of selective pruning and trimming, the removal of debris and already work has been undertaken to remove branches obstructing water flow. They propose enhancements to the walking path, parking improvements and an information kiosk to detailing the park and its history.
The property was once the home of the thriving Lachmund’s hotel, or Brookside Hall as it was originally called.
Built in 1870, Lachmund’s was the hub of the area at the turn of the 20th century. It housed a general store that served residents and frequent visitors who would stop in while canoeing down the Hackensack River. Lachmund’s businesses included a ballroom and a tavern.
Not only was it a popular vacation destination, but the hotel also served as the boroughs early polling location, the home of the borough’s first telephone - installed 1904 - and as the location of early government meetings.
Johnny Lachmund, the owner and proprietor, was Old Tappan’s borough clerk for a 57-year period spanning from 1896 until his death in 1954.
According to the Old Tappan Centennial Journal, gradually Lachmund’s was faced with waning popularity as prohibition ended the tavern business and the Hackensack River was dammed preventing the frequent visitors on canoe trips. The hotel was torn down after Lachmund’s 1954 death.
“When I was younger, I caught the tale end of it, kind of its glory time when that was a well kept area and it used to be a nice little spot,” said Kruger about the park. “In the summer months, I tell you, it’s like a strange little get away. When you go in there, you’re in a woods environment, things just become quieter and comfortable. It’ll be a nice park.”
The new park is located on Old Tappan Road near the borough’s southern border with River Vale. The borough’s planning board, environmental commission and risk manager will now review the committee’s plans.
“Once this project is completed, it will be another focal point of Old Tappan,” Kruger said. “What better of a way to enter town.”
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