“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it, misdiagnosing it, and then misapplying the wrong remedies.” - Groucho Marx
As I am sure all of you have heard, the State budget is the big talk in the Capitol. Again this year there is just not enough money to go around and many things will have to change to keep our state running. I am sure that everyone has their own opinion and ideas of how we can help get thru these tough times, and we would love to hear about it. REMEMBER this blog is for constructive ideas and positive in nature all others will be deleted.
Well spring is here again and the campsites and cabins are once again (thank goodness) open for the summer season. Tell us what you think of the condition of the park in this time of reduced spending and staffing. Feel free to comment on anything pertaining to the park, the staff, or anything else. And yes these comments get read and some even forwarded to people within the state park services for suggestions on how to improve our Park. So Please tell us what you think, and what you would like to see changed.
We are halfway through the winter shutdown of the parks and we want to hear what the people have to say. With the down regulation of staff and services we want to know your thoughts on the current state of the Park. So give us your goods, your bads, or just your overall thoughts of this shutdown program. Its important that we let the lawmakers know how we feel.
David Weber: Well, it kinda sucks, because it made Paul Taylor Retire, Although he now does the exact same thing for no money. (01/24/09)
Dean Radcliffe: I've only recently discovered this wonderful place and had been driving up each weekend with my daughter and our dogs.I live in Atlantic county it takes one hour and 10 min and is well worth the trip so I believe if a visitor center had greeted me ,They would have already benefited from my finding this place if we had a place where hot chocolate on winter days and icecream for summer was available and certainly any sort of a voluntary fund drive for the park was visual I am sure my money would be in the bag its a mistake to let go something that was started by one of our great leaders just goes to show you how much concern they really don't have for the preservation of heritage.If new jersey had been passed this responsibility than be responsible! (02/08/09)
evans w robinson: On 1 apr 09 and 2 apr 09 stayed at the old cabin keepers cabin now number 18. I felt like the native american that was on the t.v years ago with a tear coming out of his eye. the t.v. was about litter but i noticed so many trees cut and i was suprised trees leaning on the road they were not cut and so many just left. Years ago my father said it is a park not a state forest. He would have the trees cut low no stumps and the wood taken away. I had a tear thinking what has happened. In many ways the park should be open to all and the area that is fence in at the bathing lake area so be used for a home for our political leaders and the inmates from riverfront at least that area would be used. Very few people use the main beach area it might as well be closed a big mistake putting up the expensive fence. I recall the old ccc camp were the p.o.w. WWII were kept I would be happy to give tours and explain what I saw there when I was younger I recall the ball field I was in some of the buildings and recall the roads and gun tower foundations and the fire pipe near the river.Yours truly evans w robinson (04/17/09)
Trenton has now agreed to keep the state parks open, but with a catch.......we don't know for sure how long. The problem still comes down to money. The lawmakers are going to continue to fund the State Parks for the time being but with some restructuring. We need to look for long term answers for funding not short term fixes. We welcome suggestions on how we can have a steady income for Parvin for years and years to come or ways to save money in our Park.
nj mike: If New Jersey were to reduce the number of overpaid politicians. Who get a full state pension for holding the position even for part time work even if it is held only a couple of years. Where every other state employee needs to have 20 to 25 years of service plus their age just to get a full pension. If this were to be changed or reduced it would bring the state out of debt and save all state parks. Then we would be in the green. (that's a new place for NJ to visit) (05/27/08)
Holly Eckert: I would love to see more cabins for rent - this will be the 3rd summer/fall that i have been trying to rent one of your gorgeous cabins without booking it far in advance and it seems to be virtually impossible. I have also researched much of so jersey to find other campgrounds that offer cabin rentals and they are very few and far between. If you have that much success with them, why not expand? Cabis are great for love nests, family get togethers and just to get away, and much cozier than tent sites. Thank you for your attention. (06/11/08)
Fred: What about holding Civil War and Rev War re-enactments there? They could be held yearly. Living Histories could be held periodically. Some units would show up for free if they knew it was helping the park stay open. (07/19/08)
Joanne: There are many crafters/businesses/school & scouting organizations living within Parvin's community area. Perhaps the summer weekends could be used for craft/fundraising fairs. Parvin would benefit by charging a set fee for lot rentals for any interested crafters/business/school & scouting organizations wishing to use the grounds at Parvin and the renters could earn/promote their organizations. (10/06/08)
Mary Single: My family and I have been camping in Parvin for 43 years, ever since I was nine years old. It has become a family tradition, we have family reuniouns there. My children and my brothers and sisters kid have looked forward to this every October. My father and mother ( who has recently passed) made it there commitment to come here for our family. Please don't take that away from us. I now have a grandchild who I would like to pass this traditoin on to. We need this park. (10/22/08)
David Weber: Well, personally, I love the park. I was attracted to the park because Paul E. Taylor, who many who work at the park know, goes to my church.I enjoy going on his walks and all the other activities he does. Besides that, I think, though not a permanent fix, a small start would be to do what the Bridgeton Zoo has been doing for years: have donation boxes at numerous areas in the park for those who really care to through in their lose pocket change, or even more. Its at least something and it wouldn't hurt to try. Also I really want to start helping out and volunteering, which I sorta do by helping Mr. Taylor, but I'm only in 9th Grade, and School takes up 7 hours of the day, so I can't help as much as I want to. (01/02/09)
Sonny Clearspirit: My family bloodline extends well over the time span of 1676 to the present, what Im about to say will not take well with all,but it will set the tone for the overall point made > Cumberland County,Salem County long overshadowed by what it has offered for support of its country,its state and its citizens.South Jersey was always at the forefront in utilizing itself in multiple facets in the foundation of democracy and the creation of this great United States.The first Defense Airport Millville NJ,,Fort Dix,McGuire,Warren Grove,etc.,the formidable Batsto with its bogs supplying our forefathers with the supplies it needed during the revolutionary war,many small but essential skirmishes in the woods and fields of South Jersey catapulted this Garden State to the front lines,the glass for centuries,the sand utilized worldwide in making the finest glass products available anywhere.If it wasnt for the farms of South Jersey there would be a tomatoes,not a Jersey Beefsteak Tomato.Yep your Campbells soup wouldnt be Vegetable without Jersey.So herein lies the solution .Residents need to be involved,stop electing people that arent born and raised in an area and have far more than a financial interest in the area.These outsiders dont understand the history,the importance of South Jersey and the histories of our State Parks,the real history,this is where we walk with the spirits of our past,Delaware may of been the first state,But what came first?the wheel or the cart?They cant close the parks if you want them open.(maybe they could utilize some of the millions a year in out of state garbage and hazardous waste funds that is accrued charging states cash by wieght for the waste they bring in and dump here,you know in the good places to dump bury and build dirt mountains then made into baseball fields for youth ,next to the peaslee wildlife management area nw of union lake(wonder why theres mercury in the lake and iodine????)if the citizens of the county dont wake up south jersey will end up a industrial wasteland,the garbage state.iI hope ive made my point and given some insight.Jersey is the diamond in the rough,itll always be here,we may not be. (07/26/09)
Nine state parks (of a total of fortynine) have been selected to close to save money. Two of the three selected in the southern half (south of Trenton) are in Salem County, as illustrated at left on a map adapted from the State Division of Parks web site. Parks slated for closure are marked with a red star.
Our beloved Parvin State Park and Fort Mott State Park are scheduled to close on July 1, 2008.
We welcome your comments regarding this situation.
Don Smith: South Jersey loses again.
Trisha : I lived across the street from the Thundergust area of Parvins (Parkside Drive) until I got married & moved away from home. I now live in NC & tell my daughter stories about walking over to the park during the summer and how much fun it was. My friends & I rode a million miles on our bikes on the paved road around the campsites! I think it was a 5-mile loop that was there - no problem for us kids! I got my Red Cross Jr. Lifeguard certification at the lake too. I was hoping to show her the park in person someday, but if things continue as they seem to be, that may never happen! Do what you can to save Parvins, please! Thank you! (04/06/08)
Joan: I live across the street from Thundergust and walk there all the time. I really enjoy the trails and the lakes. The state should not be able to close our park. (04/07/08)
emily colts: i am so outraged on this subject of the govenor trying to hurt the families of new jersey because he couldnt get the toll increase he wanted.This man must have been born with a silver spoon in his mouth so he doesnt have a clue about family recreation in new jersey.I am 57 years old the oldest of 10 children and camping was and still is a glue that binds us together.My father is 84 years young and has been camping at Jennys Jump State Forest since i was born thats a lot of years!!!Every one of these campgrounds scheduled to close are absolutley beautiful...how could he even think of such a thing!Hes probably never been on a picnic in his life...last year for mothers day we loaded up the motorhome (that we barely use because of gas prices) with all 3 daughters and sons-in laws and grandchildren and had a picnic at wharton state forest, it was the best mothers day ever! i am absolutely not going to stand by and say nothing about this!!! I will be going to Trenton april 23 and bring as many families as i can.thanks for listening...emily colts mays landing,nj 08330 (04/08/08)
Lucy: My husband and I and our two children, ages 6 and 9, have been enjoying Parvin State Park for many years now. We love to go bike riding there through the beautiful, wooded trails. It is something that the 4 of us look forward to doing, almost every weekend, from spring through the early fall. We also love to camp in the cabins every year. In fact, we just spent last Friday and Saturday night in a cabin at Parvin's. We had so much fun. The Lord blessed us with beautiful, warm weather and held off the rain until Sunday morning as we were packing up. It was so enjoyable to sit around our campfire, make smores, relax, and enjoy quality family time together in the beauty of nature. We enjoyed listening to the sounds of the birds and other animals. Our children did not want to leave!! And they are looking forward to going camping again. We pray that the governor will come to his senses and realize that closing Parvin's would be a real travesty to the community and families like ours, who enjoy nature so much! Parvin State Park is a BEAUTIFUL, local park...please don't shut it down. Sincerely, Lucy (04/09/08)
Barbi: Some of my favorite childhood memories were at Parvin State Park. When I was younger my grandparents ran the concession stand and the boathouse. We camped in the park often and knew all of the rangers. Today, I take my family there. I will be writing letters and supporting the cause in anyway possible to save the park. (04/09/08)
Carolyn Heckman: Our state is doing too many things to discourage people to come to NJ, to discourage people to stay in NJ. The family leave act is one of those things that will tax us again. The parks are a good thing and take so little money to manage. The beauracy that will need to be created to manage the family leave act will cost NJ taxpayers millions. I'd rather see the investment be in our natural resources not in things that just cost us money and will be another negative for NJ. (04/10/08)
harry: I wonder if it'd be possible to lease it privately and run it as it was run before. Certainly, it'd be cheaper for the state to allow a private group to maintain and care for it, charging an admission to cover costs, etc. I always questioned whether the government was the best thing to operate parks anyway. (04/10/08)
LS: Its more than disappointing. Its disgusting. Im sickened with the way we humans overpopulate, abuse, and rape our environment. I can already see the developers paving this paradise to 'put up a parking lot' as the song goes, after purchasing the land dirt cheap from our corrupt government... I can already see the roadkill--newly displaced and homeless animals fated to such an ending by the hands of human greed and vanity. We are all guilty. Stop overpopulating and we wouldnt have these issues. Thats right. STOP HAVING BABIES. Its the only solution. (04/10/08)
jim roc: Parvin State Park has been an important part of my life as is has for so many other area residents and taxpayers. The fall season with the spectacular colors is one of the best for artists and photographers in South Jersey. The paved loop trail is also a great place for bicyclists and walkers, not to mention the great campsites. If the Governor and state legislature is serious in dealing with our deficit ,they could start by eliminating state officer holders holding more than one elected office. They are just milking the pension dry with their own greed and money grabbing. The current legislation allows current public officals to continue with dual office holding because they are grandfathered. When the bill was passed preventing future officials from this practice there were 17 of these officals holding two or more positions, there are now 19. Elinimate this practice now,just think of the money that will be saved by all this pension padding being stopped. Sen. Tom Keane Jr. tried to get this accomplished last week,but the majority party would not even consider it on the floor.Savethe State Parks,eliminate the state thieves. (04/11/08)
kim I Toledo: I just think that how much that Parvins means to us, We love Parvins. I take my dog for walks there when the gas prices were reasonable. I really can't understand why closing the parks to save money, This is so wrong the little people love being able to a get away vacation practically in our own backyard. There are alot of us that enjoy that beautiful park area, to ride bikes, take children to educate them about Conservation Methods, Going on walks, to ride horses (i know that there is a horse trail there. I think that I may have a better solution to this monies problem. My idea is for the best solution for the people who spend money for campsites and the taxes some people make (there has to be taxes paid for the benefit of keeping the park open, Like I mentioned I think that I have a better solution for the benefit of MOST people, the idea I have is if the government is in such Dire straights and short of monies, I think a more better idea: I implore that the government of the whole state should take a cut in pay and maybe just maybe there would not be a shortage of money and we can keep the parks open. I think the government really should take a cut in pay. Thank-you Sincerely, Kim I Toledo (04/12/08)
Chris Chadwick: I feel as if the state is looking for ways to make us all leave! Unfortunately we live in a state that currently has two very different communities, Urban and Rural. (Lets face it, in 10 years NJ will be nothing but a suburb of NY & Philly) Urban centers command the most votes and thus direct political choices. It is a real shame that Parvin's time hangs in the balance. It is a beautiful park that will be ruined by the corruption of politics. I understand we must make tough choices in NJ regarding budget cutbacks, but this is surely not it! Taking away our rights as citizens, humans, to enjoy what is left of our natural world is fundamentally irresponsible. Take away man made places or services that are much easier to replace once NJ is financially on it's own two feet again! Maybe the more rural southwest and northwestern counties of NJ should seek political asylum from neighboring states willing to fight to keep their rural heritage alive. This way NJ will save money in state police patrols, farm subsidies, STATE PARKS, and of course, the more cost effective, regional school systems! It seems to me all of this comes about because populated areas don't want to change, just shift the blame and burden! I was motivated to write this after spending four hours today with my lovely wife and two dogs walking Parvin's miles of splendid trails. I could only hope that Gov. Corzine and the rest of the bureaucracy had the chance before making the choice to shut it down. On that note, Maybe i'll look into moving out of state today! (04/13/08)
Lauran: Parvin has been such an important part of my life. I have gone there to camp EVERY year since I was at least since I was at least four years old. I have so many memories at this park, it has been a place for my family to gather for anything from birthday parties, graduation (even my own), family reunions (family from out of state), picnics, walks with our dogs, and church outings, and even the different holiday events. (My husband was hoping to volunteer for the hayride...I guess he has little hope for that now). These memories should be available to all family's. My nephews, and niece (ages 8,7,5) have already fallen in love with this parks and get so excited when we go for a walk. It's a shame that our own governor would rather hurt his own communities then to stop this constant corrupt circle of politicians. Why would North Jersey care what happens to us...maybe thats the solution 2 states like North and South Carolina. If the governor or if the state in general cares about the breakdown of families and communities the should stop taking away the little opportunities we have left to bond with each and nature. Save the park we and the animals deserve it. (04/13/08)
Mike Thorn: I got to visit for the first time Parvin State Park along with my girlfriend Kathy and her sister Pattie. I was really surprised at how nice the park was and the amount of people there on a Sunday afternoon enjoying the nice weather and trails. I plan to visit Parvin again in the next few weeks so I can walk the many other trails they have which we did not get time to walk down. I now support Parvin State Park and support my local Atlantic County Park. (04/14/08)
Lilibet: Just another example of why those of us in South Jersey should "break-away" from North Jersey! Whenever the Governor wants to CUT something, anything, South Jersey ALWAYS takes the biggest hit. Closing facilities like Parvin and Fort Mott is a crying shame (on YOU, Governor Corzine). You and your legislative "buddies" can afford to take your families on wonderful outings and vacations, but many hard-working NJ citizens cannot. I say to the Governor: cut out your "buddies" who have "positions" or "multiple positions" within the government and STOP paying for State employees health care benefits FOR LIFE. Just doing those two things would definitely ease New Jersey's financial crisis -- AND -- SAVE Parvin and Fort Mott!!!! (04/14/08)
Tom: Parvin is a very special place. Our family has rented a cabin there for the last 10 years. We also camp in the campground in the spring and fall. To close Parvin would be a tradegy. (04/14/08)
Laura Vitale: I've been sick about this since I first heard the news. All we hear about is 'going green' and 'saving the environment', but NJ politicians want to take away our access to it. The State Parks are where my family goes to play. They're accessible, educational and safe. We've spent many hours watching the beautiful swans and many different varieties of duck at Thundergust. We've seen birds at Parvin that we've never seen anywhere else. Walking or biking the roads near our home can be dangerous, but the parks offer miles and miles of safe and healthy hiking (with the added bonus of being able to bring the dog!) We've recently explored Fort Mott and we were in awe of the history there. It's a treasure! What will happen to it if it closes? It would be criminal. Please don't let them take our playgrounds away! (04/14/08)
John Stockham, ASLA: Though my wife and I now live in Lake Mary, Florida, I have fond memories of Parvin State Park. My mother and father still reside in southern New Jersey and they were the ones who took my brother and me to stay in the cabins every spring in the 1980s. It was actually a BIG stress reliever from school, little league and scouts for us to go there as a family. We canoed, fished, and hiked as a family. These were some of our best memories of being together as a family before my father had a tragic auto accident that left him with a permanent brain injury. I am a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and have worked on Walt Disney World projects. Some of my inspiration and education came from Parvin State Park. Please do everything peacefully possible to save it! Thank you and God Speed! phone: 407-252-9705 (04/14/08)
BJ Polise: My family and I have camped every year in the Parvin Cabins since before my daughter was born. Over 20 some years now. We look forward to our fall weekend in the woods. We have had many family and friends join us out in the Woods each year and it has become an annual event that we all look forward to. We have very fond memories of our camping trips. It was very dissappointing to read the article about it's closing. It's a shame that we don't have enough money to keep places like these open for families and children to enjoy. There is so little for kids to do and now we are taking away yet more activities that they can enjoy. Fishing, boating, canoeing, camping, bike riding, hiking, swimming to name a few. Here's hoping that we can change their minds and keep all the state parks open. Thanks for listening. (04/15/08)
Sue: I've lived in tis area all of my life and enjoyed walking and boating at Parvin's with my family. At least I can honestly say I did not vote for Gov Corzine. The state is taxing us out of here as it is. (04/15/08)
Laura McCreery: Seems to me secession is the only answer! Enough with giving everything to those who live North of Trenton. This should seriously be a consideration. We would have everything to gain and they would have much to lose. (04/16/08)
Dorothy, Erika, Vilma: We are three seniors who are dedicated to keeping ourselves as fit as possible. We do our "Parvin Walk" three times each week Usually we walk around Parvin Lake. When the weather is not so good, we do Thundergust - twice. This is where we keep track of a pair of nesting swans and eagerly await the hatching of their young. There are many varieties of birds to spot throughout the year; the most spectacular being the pair of eagles! This is a safe environment where we can exercise without having to be threatened by traffic. Thanks for working so hard to keep this state treasure open for us. (04/17/08)
Cindy G: My husband and I do not want to see Parvin close as well as alot of other people. When we first heard about it on the news, we couldn't believe it. We and friends rent cabins every year. This is our 4th year and and over 10 years for our friends. We look forward to going there every year. There is no park like it. It is a beautiful place. I have also had picnics there with my family in the past. We have a cabin rented for this year but luckily it is for before July 1st. I feel bad for others that made plans to camp there after June 30th. Some people go there for their vacations and will now have to make other arrangements at the last minute. There is no other park like it. Please keep it open! (04/20/08)
cosmo cramer: i'm only in middle school but i have a lot of memories from parvins. i just hope corzine listens to us and doesn't shut down parvins or even fort mott !! (04/22/08)
cosmo cramer: parvin homes the state threatened barred oul and the endangered swamp pink. it also served as a pow camp during ww2. if parvin state park is shut down history will be lost and animals and plants will die (04/22/08)
jeff Downey: I am not sure of how to begin this comment. When I saw a flyer stating that the park needed saving I stopped in my tracks. How can the powers that be even think of closing down a natural area and public space like Parvin? My mind started to search for answers and the only ones I came up with was...$ $ $ . The politician(s) that designed this plan probably never came to the park to experience it. It is small compared to some of the larger ones in NORTHERN JERSEYbut none the less important to the people who visit there. I know of several couples who have had there weddings there. In the summer I can go down to the park and see a large number of patrons, and tax payers. This is a nice park for many activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, enjoying the sun, and a romantic walk with your significant other. I think the person who commented on "North of Trenton" came very close to the point of question. Why does the NJ Government think that we in the southern parts of this state are going to sit back and do nothing? Perhaps they should cut there own inflated budgets and PAYCHECKS. Further more I think that there own government spending should be scrutinized by lets say an outside source to see if it is of wise choices. DON'T SHUT OUR PARK DOWN! It is my thought that if and when the parkis ahut down that a fine new set of Mc Mansions will go in place of it.....SAD. (05/07/08)
Paul Esposito: Every year I gather together 10-15 of my employees to do a day of group volunteer work, this is supported by my company, CIT Group Inc. Through all of my internet searches I was unable to find anything in the South Jersey area that fit the bill - we were looking to do a cleanup somehere, plant trees, etc. Suddenly out of nowhere, I thought of contacting Parvin to see if we could help out. I found Parvins website and also stumbled upon this blog, and to my dismay learned that Parvin is in trouble, due to cutbacks in the States budget. I contacted Parvin today and was kindly greeted, and learned that they do indeed need volunteers. We will be scheduling a day for my team to come and give the park the maintenance it needs. I would like to see Parvin reach and post its needs on the Internet, on websites such as Volunteermatch.org. This would drive more awareness to the parks needs and give Parvin the man/woman power to keep it going. I have only visited Parvin once before for a day hike, but now that I know it needs our help, I will be coming back much more often to see if I can pitch in to keep it going. The history and natural resources of the park need to be maintaned and protected. I suggest everyone take a day and pitch in and help out, its good for the soul. (05/12/09)
Jeff Weselinski: Parvin state park to me, is an awesome place. Not only for camping, beautiful sunsets, the peace and quiet, but The bass fishing. I am an avid bass fisherman and I will not bass fish anywhere else (that is of course if I am fishing a tournament). This lake has the best bass fishing in South Jersey. Even bypassing Union Lake!!! The lunker bass program definitly works for this lake. As the sign says, this a lunker lake , they were not kidding. Most of the bass I caught, have been two pounds plus and at least one time per visit, I have caught a bass four pounds or more. So, not only is the park one of the cleanest and best in the state, but the bass fishing is hard to beat!! As long as the bass are big and healthy I will not go anywhere else, and I cannot wait to bring my kids when they are old enough to camp and fish in this outdoor paradise. (06/05/09)
D. Blarcom: Thanks for plowing the parking lot. It permitted us to cross country ski in the park today. What a wonderful time. Thannks! (12/23/09)