PATERSON, NJ – Mayor Andre Sayegh unveiled exciting plans on Monday to expand the Great Falls National Historic Park with a stunning $7.9 million Riverwalk project. The 2.5-acre expansion will allow visitors to stroll along the Passaic River and explore the ruins of a dye factory, silk mill, and gun mill where the Colt .45 revolver was manufactured.
Sayegh explained that the aim is to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Great Falls, which is a symbol of Paterson. The ultimate goal is to transform Paterson into a more desirable destination and a popular tourist attraction. Currently, around 300,000 people visit the Great Falls, but the plan is to increase this number to one million. The Quarry Lawn Project, an actual river walk at the Falls, will help achieve this goal by allowing people to appreciate the beauty of the area even more.
The project is being funded by grants from the National Parks Service, Green Acres Open Space, bonds, and transitional aid appropriations. Congressman Bill Pascrell expressed his excitement about the development, saying that it will transform a dilapidated and dangerous stretch into a vibrant community space. He envisioned the park as a perfect location for the ATP site and Vista Park, and highlighted how it will build on Alexander Hamilton’s story through the park. Visitors will learn about Quarry Lawn, which was known as Mount Morris, and the power of the Textile Mills during the Industrial Revolution that made Paterson the Silk City of the world.
Governor Phil Murphy is expected to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the project next month, where he will announce an additional $1.5 million in transitional aid from the State. The project is set to be completed in just 18 months.
Darren Boch, Superintendent of the Great Falls National Historical Park, praised the Mayor and Congressman for prioritizing the Great Falls budgets. He emphasized the intrinsic benefits of creating a destination, not only for the National Park and visitors but for the city as a whole.
