TY - JOUR TI - Bridging the divide: connecting North Jersey communities and nature through greenway design DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-cb9d-5103 PY - 2020 AB - Urban greenways are important to communities for their ability to provide important recreational space, transportation options, ecological services, social connections, and scenic beauty. However, in many urban environments, the process of planning and implementing greenways is difficult. Bergen County has had plans to increase access and recreation opportunities around the Hackensack River since the 1970s. However, none of the large visions have been achieved. Recently, local organizations have begun work on creating a greenway along the Hackensack River. This thesis is meant to give a vision to the greenway while considering common challenges and strategies for urban greenway design. A suitability analysis was developed in order to identify parcels of land along the Hackensack River ideal for early-stage greenway intervention projects. Additionally, a visual assessment and regional GIS assessment were conducted to inform the route of the greenway. This resulted in a 9.38-mile path system from Overpeck County Park to Van Buskirk Island County Park. Hackensack River County Park was a specific location along the river that was identified as being particularly important to the success of the greenway because of it’s proximity to existing open space along the river, county ownership of the land, important habitat for bald eagles, potential for connecting important places of interest along the river, and the diversity of landscape elements found at the park. A site design was created using the guidelines set forth during the overall greenway design. The process resulted in an overall 9.38-mile greenway route through 8 municipalities in North Jersey along the Hackensack River, a site design for Hackensack River County Park, and recommendations for moving forward with the Greenway Plan. The project should be organized on a regional level by the Bergen County Parks Department but carried out with the help of local municipalities. Partnerships with local businesses should also be pursued. Ultimately, the Hackensack Greenway has the potential to have long-lasting positive impacts on the local communities around the Hackensack River. KW - Greenways -- New Jersey KW - Landscape Architecture LA - English ER -