High Point Park budgeted to close

MONTAGUE, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. John Corzine is proposing closure of High Point State Park as a cost saving measure. The 15,827-acre park in Montague and Wantage contains a portion of the Appalachian Trail, a popular swimming area at Lake Marcia and the park’s namesake 228-foot monument, which, at 1,803 feet, is the state’s highest point, and visible for miles around tri-state area. Beyond its geographical reference, the monument, erected in 1930, was dedicated to the veterans of the nation’s wars by the Kuser family, who donated the park to the state. Memorial services this year are scheduled for June 29, two days before the state closure would take effect. The closure of High Point and eight other state parks reportedly would save $4.5 million amidst New Jersey’s $33 billion budget. In the past, the park has been repeatedly scheduled for closure when the state experienced fiscal problems.