Passaic County, NJ
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Celebrating Passaic County’s Arts, Culture, and Heritage
The Passaic County Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs (DCHA) oversees the daily operations of several historic sites, parks, and cultural facilities throughout the County. Through these spaces, the Department organizes engaging exhibits, cultural programs, historic preservation efforts, and restoration projects - all aimed at connecting residents and visitors to the County’s unique past and vibrant present.
In addition, DCHA provides critical support to County departments and municipalities by:
- Reviewing preservation and planning projects
- Administering grant programs for the arts and historic preservation
- Coordinating countywide cultural events and public art installations
Sites operated by the Department include:
- Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters
- Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House
- Passaic County Archaeological Center at the Harry S. Vreeland House
- Passaic County Military Heritage Museum at the Schuyler-Colfax House
- Lambert Castle
- Lambert Tower
- Vanderhoef House
- The Wayne Museum
- County Court House & U.S. Customs House
- Goffle Brook Park
- Weasel Brook Park
- Garret Mountain Reservation
Public programs administered by the Department include:
- Art in the Park
- Book Festival
- Passaic County Fair
- Summer Concerts
- Tuesdays in the Plaza
Programs administered by the Department include:
- County Wayfinding Signage Program
- Interpretive Signage
- Historic Marker Program
Organizations under the Department include:
- Destination Marketing Organization
- Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc.
- Friends of Dey Mansion, Inc.
- Passaic County Film Commission
Green Acres Grants
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Local Assistance Grants & Loans provide critical funding to preserve open spaces, improve parks, and enhance public access to natural and historic sites. These grants are essential for maintaining and restoring historic landmarks, ensuring their cultural and educational value is preserved for future generations. Passaic County actively participates in these grants to support its commitment to preserving its rich heritage and providing high-quality recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
For full information, including public notices and surveys please see below.
Goffle Brook Park North Corridor Improvements Project
NJDEP Green Acres Public Notice
PURPOSE: The Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. is seeking funding through the State of NJ Green Acres Program for improvements at Goffle Brook Park, nearest the intersection of Goffle Road and Lafayette Avenue in Hawthorne, New Jersey.
PROJECT SCOPE: The Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. proposes making the following improvements to the property with this grant funding: improvements to parking, installation of a new playground and park restroom, and site work to adhere to stormwater regulations. A full concept plan showing the proposed changes and a preliminary cost estimate can be found at: www.passaiccountynj.org/dcha
PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT: A copy of the application will be on file at the offices of Passaic County Administration Bld., 401 Grand Street, 2nd Floor, Paterson, NJ 07505, as well as at the Green Acres office, and is available for review and comment. Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Kelly C. Ruffel, Secretary-Treasurer of the Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. at kellyr@passaiccountynj.org, and at the office’s main address as noted above.
NOTE: A public meeting for the Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5:00pm at the Passaic County Arts Center located at 675 Goffle Road, Hawthorne, NJ 07506. A presentation on the project will be had at this meeting.
Springbrook Acres Stewardship Project
NJDEP Green Acres Public Notice
PURPOSE: The Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. is seeking funding through the State of NJ Green Acres Program for stewardship improvements at the Spring Brook Acres property located at 335 Union Avenue, Bloomingdale.
PROJECT SCOPE: The Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. proposes to make the following improvements to the property with this grant funding: dredging and restoration of Twilliger Lake, installation of hiking trails, pollinator gardens, and planting of native trees. This Stewardship grant funding would cover a portion of the overall project scope. A full concept plan showing the proposed changes and a preliminary cost estimate can be found at: www.passaiccountynj.org/dcha
PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT: A copy of the application will be on file at the offices of Passaic County Administration Bld., 401 Grand Street, 2nd Floor, Paterson, NJ 07505, as well as at the Green Acres office, and is available for review and comment. Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Tim Roetman, Deputy County Administrator at troetman@passaiccountynj.org and at the office’s main address as noted above.
NOTE: A public meeting for the Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5:00pm at the Passaic County Arts Center located at 675 Goffle Road, Hawthorne, NJ 07506. A presentation on the project will be had at this meeting.
| Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. Grant Applications | ||
| Grant | Project | Amount |
| Park Development | Goffle Brook Park North Corridor Improvements | $1,500,000 |
| Stewardship | Highlands Farm Improvements | $1,800,000 |
Highlands Farm Improvements Project
Grant: Stewardship Grant, Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. Grant Application
Amount: $1,800,000
The Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. proposes to make the following improvements to the property with this grant funding: dredging and restoration of Twilliger Lake, installation of hiking trails, pollinator gardens, and planting of native trees.
Goffle Brook Park North Corridor Improvements Project
Grant: Park Development, Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. Grant Application
Amount: $1,500,000
The Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. proposes making the following improvements to the property with this grant funding: improvements to parking, installation of a new playground and park restroom, and site work to adhere to stormwater regulations.
Dey Mansion Site Improvements Project
Grant: Park Development, Friends of Dey Mansion, Inc. Grant Applications
Amount: $1,500,000
Passaic County is seeking to apply for NJ Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Local Assistance Grants & Loans to improve the historic Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters property. Planned upgrades include active gardens, irrigated lawns, recreation walkways, and accessibility features to ensure the site is welcoming to visitors of all abilities. These enhancements will preserve the site’s historic significance and enrich the visitor experience at this landmark listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places.