Woodland Park, New Jersey A Guide to the Borough

Woodland Park, formerly known as West Paterson, is a charming borough located in Passaic County, New Jersey. With a population of 13,484 as of the 2020 United States census, this community offers a blend of suburban living and rich natural beauty.

History and the Name Change

The borough was originally formed in 1914 as West Paterson, carved from portions of the township of Little Falls. For nearly a century, it operated under this name until a significant shift occurred in 2008. After several unsuccessful attempts to change the name in 1989, 1995, and 2001, citizens finally voted in November 2008 to rename the borough to Woodland Park.

The motivation behind the renaming was largely to dissociate the borough from the larger city of Paterson, which is known for higher crime rates and lower quality of life. Proponents argued that the change would improve the borough's reputation and property values. Despite some controversy and a 2009 referendum to change the name back, the name Woodland Park has remained.

Geography and Environment

Woodland Park covers a total area of 3.08 square miles, consisting of 2.94 square miles of land and 0.14 square miles of water. A notable geographic feature is the Slippery Rock Brook, a tributary of the Passaic River that drains the western flank of First Watchung Mountain and flows through the borough.

The borough is bordered by the municipalities of Clifton, Little Falls, Paterson, and Totowa.

Economy and Industry

The borough's economy is supported by various industries, including specialty chemicals and media. Cytec Industries, a specialty chemicals and materials technology company (later acquired by Solvay S.A.), has a presence here. Additionally, the North Jersey Media Group, parent company of The Record and Herald News, relocated its operations to Woodland Park between 1999 and 2010.

Parks and Recreation

Woodland Park is home to stunning outdoor spaces, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities for recreation:

• Garret Mountain Reservation: A 568-acre county park featuring the historic Lambert Castle and offering breathtaking views of the New York City skyline.
• Rifle Camp Park: A 225-acre county park known for its hiking trails, nature center, observatory, and camping facilities for local scout organizations.