Orange Reservoir to Undergo Big Changes

Visitors to the South Mountain Reservation will be able to rent paddle boats, bicycle on paths, go fishing and ice skating at the Orange Reservoir, based on plans released by Essex County officials.

The county has leased the reservoir, adjacent to the complex and said plans for the new attractions will bring dollars to the county.

The 115-acre reservoir will be redeveloped into recreational grounds where people can rent paddle boats, walk, bike, fish and ice skate, among other things.

“For a number of years we have been talking about this area and hoping, really hoping that we would someday reach this conclusion,” said Essex County Freeholder Patricia Sebold. “Everyone benefits.”   

The county’s plan to redevelop the Orange Reservoir came together after years of negotiations and lawsuits. The county and City of Orange came to an agreement at the end of September for the county to lease the reservoir for 20 years at $1.6 million.

The $2 million project will begin this week when crews raze the dilapidated superintendent’s house, which can be seen from Cherry Lane.

The project is currently still being designed, but the county expects to build a large open-air pavilion with a “log cabin feeling,” said Mike Piga, landscape architect for French and Parrello, who is designing the area. The pavilion can be used for picnicking and special events, such as weddings.  

The pavilion, said Piga, “[will] give you a beautiful view of the reservoir.”

Around the pavilion, new sidewalks and walkways will be laid down, and new lighting, trees, benches and other landscaping features will be added. A boathouse will also be built, where people will be able to rent paddle boats, some in the shape of swans. 

In addition, a pathway will be constructed across Cherry Lane from the reservoir and pavilion to a new large parking lot. 

“Today’s event signals another positive activity by (Essex County Executive) Joseph (DiVincenzo) and the Board of Chosen Freeholders,” said Assemblyman Thomas Giblin (D-Essex) Tuesday. 

Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren said the decision to lease the reservoir to the county, which will develop and improve the land for the good of residents in the area, was “common sense.” 

DiVincenzo  said this was a great day for Essex County, 

“This is an extension of the South Mountain Recreation Complex. . It’s a good investment for us to improve the environment; it’s a good investment to improve the quality of life, and it is our goal ... to bring people from within Essex County to use the facility, but also people throughout the state and other states.”  

DiVincenzo said the county will use at least $1 million from the state Green Acres Program to pay for the construction, and about another $1 million of open space funds and capital expenditures. The use of public Green Acres funds ensures that long after this lease agreement ends, the reservoir will always be used for recreational use. 

“This [reservoir] will always be utilized by not only Essex County but the state of New Jersey.