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Get to Know Glen Ridge!

Photo by Jim Henderson /Text by Charlie Breslin

Glen Ridge, NJ, was founded in 1895 after a referendum which separated the borough from neighboring Bloomfield. We feel pride in the demographic changes of the last 20 years and current residents' embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in our town. Glen Ridge is known beyond our borders as the tiny town of 3,000 gas lamps and we strive to work towards a town where every resident can feel safe and respected and allowed to live according to his/her/their own hearts.

Glen Ridge is three miles long and half a mile wide and a long standing joke in the area is that by the time someone realizes they have driven into Glen Ridge, they have already left it. Despite our size, we host nationally recognized races, the Ashenfelter 5k on Thanksgiving Day, and, supported by our only tavern in town Fitzgerald's, the Lager Run in June. Our strong school district always pushes the town to the top of "Best Towns In NJ" lists as well as other local events like an annual "Eco-Fair" and the unwritten agreement that Halloween is a town obsession with two streets, Forest in the North, and Midland in the South absolutely overridden with tiny ghouls and super heroes. During the winter holiday season, Glen Ridge continues its long tradition of Tree Lighting with performances from borough's own non-profit Theater Troupe the Gas Lamp Players and, since 2020, has a community Menorah Lighting.

For a small town, Glen Ridge offers many areas to play, relax, and congregate. We have several small parks, including Carteret Park with a dog run, Clay Field with Tennis/Pickel Ball courts, Hurrell Field with a full track and field location for our residents and high school sports, and a lovely authentic gazebo at the Glen (along Toony's Brook). We are also fortunate to have a small, open to all botanical garden at Freeman Gardens. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, many residents purchase memberships at the local town pool which is perfect for kids ages 0-13 and adults who take advantage of dedicated hours for exercise.

There are also many civic organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in Glen Ridge and beyond. The Glen Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Squad offers emergency services without fee within the borough and surrounding towns. The Glen Ridge Women's Club offers culturally enriching programs as well as social opportunities. Civic organizations like the Kiwanis and Lions also have active chapters and the Glen Ridge Educational Fund and active Home and School (parents' association) raises money to allow the schools to purchase technology and supplies otherwise unavailable due to budgetary restraints. Both Girl Scouts and BSA Scouts have active troops in the area and take on many civil projects including developing the Benson St. Gardens that produces 1.5 tons of fresh produce for local food banks.

Small in size, Glen Ridge nevertheless has the ability to manage its own civic affairs. The borough has its own elected mayor, town council, and school board. Glen Ridge also maintains an independent police force that is large enough to protect the town, but small enough to build individual relationships within the town so that officers and residents frequently know each other by name. The GRPD is particularly active in community outreach, sponsoring a "National Night Out" every summer where residents are encouraged to meet officers and learn about policing and officers frequently meet local students with the popular "Lunch with an Officer" program.

The residents of Glen Ridge are uniquely able to participate meaningfully in town affairs and to get to know their neighbors and fellow residents. Education and community are the main reasons why families of all backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and compositions decide to settle in Glen Ridge. The GRDIA is an organization committed to ensure that in town or at school all families should know they belong in our community and are free to be their true selves at all times.