Borough of Woodcliff Lake, NJ Chapter 43 Open Space Trust Fund

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Woodcliff Lake 12-4-2018 by Ord. No. 18-15. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 43-1 Preamble.

The Borough of Woodcliff Lake recognizes its desire to foster a community that incorporates an appreciation of and engagement with the environment. To that end, the Borough of Woodcliff has adopted by referendum the Open Space Trust Fund which is funded through the collection of local property taxes. This chapter of the Borough Code is adopted to provide guidance for the use of these funds.

§ 43-2 Use of fund.

The monies contained in the fund shall be utilized in the manner prescribed in the most recent version of the referendum, this chapter of the Borough Code and the laws of the State of New Jersey.

§ 43-3 Passive recreation.

A. This definition of passive recreation is adopted so as to clarify the Borough's interpretation of the concept and to guide the Borough in the use of the Open Space Trust Fund for such purposes.

B. "Passive recreation" shall mean those pursuits that offer constructive, restorative, and pleasurable human benefits that foster the appreciation and understanding of an open space and its purpose.

C. Examples of open space utilized for passive reaction are, but not limited to, community gardens, great lawns, courtyards, memorial spaces, places for quiet reflection, water features, formal flower/landscape gardens, walking paths, nature preserves, flower/tree beds for the growing of stock for use in the community.

D. Open space used for passive reaction should be free as possible from permanent building structures. However, ancillary building structures are permitted so long as their design and scale do not limit or diminish the use of the open space. Such structures shall include but not be limited to restrooms, drinking fountains, waste receptacles, sitting benches, pavilions that compliment the passive use, small scale sheds necessary for utility mechanisms or storage of equipment for use in community gardens/flower-tree beds, and complementary parking areas.

§ 43-4 Active recreation.

A. This definition of active recreation is adopted so as to clarify the Borough's interpretation of the concept and to guide the Borough in the use of its Open Space Trust Fund for such purposes.

B. "Active recreation" shall mean those pursuits engaged in for the purpose of relaxation, health and well-being or enjoyment with the primary activity requiring physical exertion, and the primary focus on human activity.

C. Examples of open space utilized for active reaction are, but not limited to, sports fields, golf courses, swim pools, and playgrounds.

D. Open space used for active reaction is permitted to contain permanent building structures necessary for their dedicated use. Such structures shall include but not be limited to restrooms, locker rooms, snack bars, viewing stands, storage areas needed for equipment, field equipment, permanent field surfacing, necessary fencing, drinking fountains, waste receptacles, utility sheds, and complementary parking areas.