Woodland Park, New Jersey


In past years the residents of formerly known West Paterson, New Jersey have attempted to change the boroughs name, but to no avail. Then in November of 2008 the vote passed; West Paterson of Passaic County was now known as Woodland Park. The renaming was due to the boroughs fear of being associated with the larger city of Paterson, which is known to have high crime rates and to be significantly impoverished. Now this name change did not come without controversy. Businesses affected by this modification worried of the unnecessary money that would be spent and were weary that the history of West Paterson would be forgotten. Also many believed that by changing West Paterson to Woodland Park ideas of racism would arise because the city of Paterson is predominately black and Hispanic while Woodland Park is mostly comprised of Caucasians.

Woodland Park School District serves students from grades K-8, in total educating more than 900. The schools are set up differently than others in Passaic County. Beatrice Gilmore School serves students grades K-2, Charles Olbon School teaches students grades 3-4, and Memorial School educated students grades 5-8. Passaic Valley Regional High School is where students grades 9-12 attend school. Berk The Garret Mountain campus of Berkeley College is also located in Woodland Park.

Route 80 and 46 surround Woodland Park giving commuting residents access to major veins when driving out of the borough.

Visit the Woodland Park town website.