Taylor Park Gateway Project: Millburn Plans a Fresh New Entrance

Millburn is working on a big upgrade to Taylor Park, one of the town’s most loved spots. The new plan, called the Taylor Park Gateway Project, will give the park’s entrance a fresh new look while making it more welcoming and easier for everyone to access.

Why This Project Matters

Taylor Park sits right in the middle of downtown Millburn. It’s a popular place for people to walk, play sports, relax, or attend town events like Rocktoberfest and the Winter Walk. The park also includes tennis courts, softball fields, a playground, walking paths, and the Bauer Community Center.

Back in 2020, Millburn created the Taylor Park Strategic Plan. They talked to 70 residents, business owners, and town leaders to figure out how the park could be even better. A big takeaway from those talks? People wanted the park to feel more connected to the downtown area and easier to access.

What’s Being Planned

The Taylor Park Gateway Project is focused on the main entrance on Millburn Avenue. Here’s what the town hopes to improve:

• The entrance will be redesigned to make it obvious you're entering a special, community-focused place. It’ll also match the look of Millburn’s downtown upgrades.

• A large, historic elm tree near the entrance will be saved and included in the new design.

• The entrance will be easier for everyone to use, including people with disabilities or strollers.

  

• New landscaping will open up views so the park feels more inviting from the street.

• The entrance will be safer for pedestrians and families with young children.

Listening to the Community

Millburn has made sure that residents can give their input during the planning process. In February 2025, the town showed off concept drawings on visual boards, held a presentation explaining the project, and hosted a public information session where people could ask questions and share ideas.

Part of a Bigger Plan

The gateway redesign is just one part of a larger plan to improve Taylor Park over time. The original 2020 strategic plan also mentioned ideas like repairing bridges, offering more events, possibly adding an amphitheater, and renovating the Bauer Center.

But town officials have been clear; they want to make these upgrades without changing the park’s classic feel. The idea is to improve Taylor Park while still keeping it familiar to long-time visitors.

What’s Next?

The project is still in the planning phase, but it’s moving forward. Once finished, the new entrance will help Taylor Park feel even more like the heart of Millburn. It’ll be easier to find, more inviting to all, and more connected to the stores, restaurants, and events downtown.

Millburn is proud of its small-town feel, and this project is a way to keep that charm while improving things for the future.

To stay updated on the Taylor Park Gateway Project, residents can visit the township website or attend upcoming public meetings.

Photos Courtesy of Millburn Township Website