This month marks a very special anniversary for Richard W. DeKorte Park. The park was officially opened on Nov. 30, 1982, via proclamation by Governor Tom Kean. The late Richard DeKorte was the State Assemblyman whose environmental vision and advocacy led to the creation of the then Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission. One of the HMDC’s mandates was to protect the delicate balance of nature. The creation of the agency has completely transformed the area into an extraordinary jewel.

To commemorate the occasion, DeKorte’s family gathered at the NSJEA’s Nov. 17 Board of Commissioners meeting. Those in attendance included Paulette DeKorte, who was married to Richard W. DeKorte, her children, Jeff DeKorte and Susan DeKorte-Albanese, and Paulette’s husband, Jack Ramsey.

The family are great supporters and advocates of the park, and we thank them for their continued dedication to ensuring that Richard W. DeKorte Park remains an enduring legacy to the gentleman whose hard work helped to create this natural wonder.