Union County Connects is a 501(c)(3) charity that is advocating
for safer trail networks in Union County.
Our organization is working together with government officials
to build a better future for our local community.
If you feel inspired, please join us or donate to help our cause!
Our Mission
Connect Union County through a system of trails
and promote healthy lifestyles through safe
outdoor recreation and active transportation.
- Promote the conversion of inactive railways into public recreation trails.
- Assist any agency or agencies involved in such conversions, to make the process smooth, effective and safe.
- Seek and provide funds.
- Assist in trail establishment, improvement, and maintenance.
- Assist in the promotion of the trail as a community resource and as attraction for tourists and visitors.
- Mobilize trail supporters and the public to advocate in their own communities for safe walking and biking infrastructure.
What?
A unique and exciting opportunity exists
to create trails connecting all towns in
Union County New Jersey.
Trails, spanning from Elizabeth to Plainfield and
Summit to Rahway, will create safe, sustainable, and equitable access to nature as well as new recreational and transportation opportunities.
Why?
• Create a safe, off-road trail to ride a bike, walk, educate, or play.
• Ease traffic by creating alternate transportation options like biking and walking.
• Support local economies.
• Provide close-to-home, easy access to the outdoors.
• The High Line, in New York City, attracts $2.2 billion in new economic activity and is estimated to raise tax revenue by $980 million over the next two decades.
About the Trails
– 50 Plus miles of Mixed Use for Bike/Walking/Hiking/Running/ Boating
– 50+ Acres of preserved Greenspace
– All 21 Municipalities Connected
Rahway Valley Railroad (RVR) – 7.3 miles of abandoned NJDOT owned railroad from Summit to Roselle Park.
Central New Jersey Railroad (CNJ) – 3.5 miles of Inactive Conrail railroad extending from Elizabeth to Cranford.
Staten Island Rapid Transit (SIRT) – 4.5 miles of Inactive railroad from Elizabeth to Cranford.
East Coast Greenway (ECG) – 10 miles of mixed on-street and off-road trails.
Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) – 8.3 miles of Existing trail and on-street trails.
Plainfield Trail – 10 mile mix of multi-use park and on-street trails.
Olmsted Greenway – 7.5 miles of multi-use park and on-street trails from Kenilworth to Berkeley Heights.