Seven Decades of Summer Memories

Popular since its humble start, PV Park brings joy to families throughout the community.

BY GREG DABICE

Pequannock Valley Park in Pompton Plains—PV Park to locals—is the crown jewel of the community’s park system during the summer. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, many local families treasure the park’s pristine manmade lake and beach as the go-to spot to swim, relax and make precious memories. The park is host to many events, including Pequannock Piranhas swim meets, food truck festivals, beach parties, movie nights, car shows, the Polar Plunge and the Pequannock Sprint Triathlon.

But how did this local gem come to be?

In the early 1950s, Pequannock Township was presented with a unique situation, which led to a plan—one that changed the landscape of the community for generations to come.

A local developer approached the township for permission to excavate a remote area of the community and use the fill for nearby construction. The contractor was granted permission under one condition: When he completed his work, he would transfer ownership of the land to the township.

In 1953, the newly acquired land officially became the swimming lake and recreation area known as Pequannock Valley Park.

Within its first year, the park established 665 family plan memberships, with an average daily attendance of 575. By August 1956, this number had grown to an impressive daily attendance of 1,028, and PV Park has been a staple recreational spot in the community ever since.

Polishing a Jewel

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the people of Pequannock Township further transformed the former gravel pit into a treasured and regularly enjoyed community recreation area. Determination and hard volunteer work from local groups and citizens helped clear parking and playground areas, patch rutfilled access roads and add amenities such as picnic tables, benches, swings, slides and seesaws.

But these major accomplishments were just the beginning. As the township continued to grow and evolve, so did its park program. For the 1976 season, PV Park was slated for an innovative and extensive improvement program. The township engaged the services of Pandullo Quirk Associates to bring this major modernization and renovation project to life and, over the next few years, vastly improve conditions and facilities.

The swim pit, once filled with stagnant water, was revitalized with a freshwater, spring-fed system that used newly installed chlorinators. Construction of a spillway ensured constant of water.

Improvements to the swimming area included swim lanes and platforms for competitions as well as lighting for night events.

The beach was reshaped to provide a longer, erosion-resistant slope. Parking facilities were enlarged and paved. The access road was moved away from the recreation area to improve safety, especially for children. And the accommodating services building was completely rebuilt to house restrooms, changing rooms, showers, a lifeguard locker room, a first-aid room and storage space.

Recalling the Park’s Past

But the real history of PV Park is in the treasured memories of those who have enjoyed it over the years. Stories and warm recollections about the park seem almost as numerous as grains of sand on its beach. These reminiscences from residents who have enjoyed the park over the years are typical:

“My aunt owned the property that borders the lake opposite the beaches. (There are now businesses where her house was.) One day, my cousin decided to release all his turtles—including a snapping turtle— into the lake. Sometimes I hear stories that there is an old snapper living on the other side of the lake. I smile a little, wondering if it might be my cousin’s. That little turtle incident goes back about 60 years!” – Deborah Chiswell Parry

“I remember people jumping the fence or passing a badge to someone through it; shuffleboard; the merry-go-round that went too fast and made you sick; the crazy seesaw that you didn’t want to be the last off of because you would slam onto the ground; great diving boards; the ice cream truck!” – Colleen Kindlon

“In the late ’60s to early ’70s, the parking lot was a field. We would ride our bikes and then jump the gully/creek to get to the beach. The manager would get mad and chase us for our badges. Very few families had pools, so the beach would be very crowded, and each lifeguard stand was staffed and ready. We all took swimming lessons, and the goals were to swim to the raft and jump off the big diving board. Many great family memories at PV Park!” – Barbara Davis

Pequannock Valley Park continues to make new memories every day and hopefully will keep doing so for many years. If you haven’t already joined, what are you waiting for?

Greg Dabice is a longtime active member of the Pequannock community. He is currently president of the Chamber of Commerce, vice chair of the Economic Development Committee and a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.