Park Ridge, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Park Ridge, New Jersey
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Borough
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Location of Park Ridge in Bergen County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Bergen County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
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Census Bureau map of Park Ridge, New Jersey
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 Park Ridge, New Jersey
Location in Bergen County, New Jersey
Park Ridge, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Park Ridge, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  New Jersey |
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| County | Bergen | |
| Incorporated | May 15, 1894 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Borough | |
| • Body | Borough Council | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2.63 sq mi (6.81 km2) | |
| • Land | 2.61 sq mi (6.75 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2) 0.80% | |
| Area rank | 367th of 565 in state 36th of 70 in county |
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| Elevation | 144 ft (44 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 8,883 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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9,440 | |
| • Rank | 267th of 565 in state 45th of 70 in county |
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| • Density | 3,407.4/sq mi (1,315.6/km2) | |
| • Density rank | 199th of 565 in state 41st of 70 in county |
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| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) | |
| ZIP Code |
07656
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| Area code(s) | 201 | |
| FIPS code | 3400356130 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0885341 | |
| Website | ||
Park Ridge is a small town, called a borough, located in Bergen County, New Jersey. In 2020, about 8,883 people lived here. The town's name, Park Ridge, comes from its pretty location.
Contents
History of Park Ridge
Park Ridge became a borough on May 15, 1894. This happened after people voted for it. Many towns in Bergen County were becoming boroughs around this time, a period sometimes called "Boroughitis." Over the years, Park Ridge has changed its borders a few times with nearby towns like Woodcliff Lake and Hillsdale.
The Wampum Drilling Machine
Park Ridge is home to something very special: the world's only wampum drilling machine! You can see it at the Pascack Historical Society Museum. This amazing wooden machine was made by the Campbell Brothers right here in Park Ridge. They invented a way to drill through long shells. These shells were used to make "hair pipe" beads. Native American groups, especially the Plains Indians, wore these beads as breastplates.
The Campbell Brothers needed water to power their machine. They first used a woolen mill by the Pascack Brook. When that burned down, they built their own mill further along Pascack Creek. They kept their drilling machines hidden on the second floors of their buildings. This was because they hadn't patented their invention.
In the early 1800s, a famous businessman named John Jacob Astor bought wampum from the Campbells. He traded it with Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest for beaver pelts. The wampum business was busiest between 1835 and 1866. You can visit the Pascack Historical Society Museum to see the machine. It's open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free!
Historic Places to Visit
Park Ridge has several places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are important buildings and sites that are protected because of their history.
- John G. Ackerson House - 142 Pascack Road (added 1983)
- Isaac Debaun House - 124 Rivervale Road (added 1983)
- Park Ridge Station - Hawthorne and Park Avenue (added 1984)
- Peter D. Perry House - 107 Rivervale Road (added 1983)
- Wortendyke Barn - 13 Pascack Road (added 1973)
- Frederick Wortendyke House (Park Ridge) - 12 Pascack Road (added 1983)
Geography and Location
Park Ridge covers about 2.6 square miles (6.7 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
The borough is part of the Pascack Valley region in Bergen County. It shares borders with other towns like Montvale, River Vale, Woodcliff Lake, and Hillsdale. While no big highways go through Park Ridge itself, you can easily reach it from the Garden State Parkway.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 870 | — | |
| 1910 | 1,401 | 61.0% | |
| 1920 | 1,481 | 5.7% | |
| 1930 | 2,229 | 50.5% | |
| 1940 | 2,519 | 13.0% | |
| 1950 | 3,189 | 26.6% | |
| 1960 | 6,389 | 100.3% | |
| 1970 | 8,709 | 36.3% | |
| 1980 | 8,515 | −2.2% | |
| 1990 | 8,102 | −4.9% | |
| 2000 | 8,708 | 7.5% | |
| 2010 | 8,645 | −0.7% | |
| 2020 | 8,883 | 2.8% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 9,440 | 9.2% | |
| Population sources: 1900–1920 1900–1910 1910–1930 1900–2020 2000 2010 2020 |
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The population of Park Ridge has changed over the years. In 2020, the population was 8,883 people. This was a small increase from 2010.
Economy and Businesses
The Hertz Corporation, a well-known car rental company, used to have its main office in Park Ridge. It was the town's biggest taxpayer. In 2013, Hertz moved its main office to Florida. However, they still keep some of their operations in Park Ridge.
Sony Corporation of America also has a research and development center in Park Ridge. This is where they work on new ideas and technologies.
Education and Schools
The Park Ridge Public Schools serve students from pre-kindergarten all the way through twelfth grade. In the 2021–22 school year, about 1,223 students attended the three schools in the district. There were about 124 teachers, meaning there were about 10 students for every teacher.
The schools in Park Ridge are:
- East Brook Elementary School (grades K-6)
- West Ridge Elementary School (grades PreK-6)
- Park Ridge High School (grades 7-12)
Park Ridge High School is highly rated. In 2012, New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked it as one of the top public high schools in New Jersey. Students at the high school can join many sports teams, including baseball, basketball, football, and soccer.
Students from Park Ridge can also apply to special high school programs. The Bergen County Technical Schools offer advanced programs. These include the Bergen County Academies in Hackensack and the Bergen Tech campus in Teterboro or Paramus. Students are chosen through an application process.
For those who prefer a Catholic school, Our Lady of Mercy Academy serves students from kindergarten to 8th grade.
Places of Worship
Park Ridge has several places where people can gather for religious services:
- First Congregational Church of Park Ridge (United Church of Christ)
- Our Lady of Mercy Church
- Park Ridge United Methodist Church
- Pascack Reformed Church
- Temple Beth Sholom of Pascack Valley
Transportation and Travel
_at_Bergen_County_Route_92_(Park_Avenue)_in_Park_Ridge,_Bergen_County,_New_Jersey.jpg)
In 2015, Park Ridge was named a "transit village." This means the town gets special help to improve its train station and commuter parking areas. They are working to make it easier for people to get around using bikes and by walking.
Roads in Park Ridge
Park Ridge has about 38.9 miles of roads. Most of these roads are maintained by the town itself. County Route 503 runs through Park Ridge. This road is also known as Kinderkamack Road. Its name comes from the Lenape Native Americans. It means a place where special dances or prayers were held.
You can get to Park Ridge from the Garden State Parkway at exit 172.
Public Transportation Options
Park Ridge has a train station called Park Ridge train station. It's part of the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line. This train line goes north and south to Hoboken Terminal. From Hoboken, you can connect to other trains, the PATH train to New York City, or ferries.
Rockland Coaches also provides bus service from Park Ridge. These buses can take you to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.
Local Media
PKRG-TV is the local public-access television station in Park Ridge. It has been producing and documenting shows for many years. They have a live show every Monday night. They also broadcast special town events like parades, sports games, school plays, and charity events. The station also had a show called Behind The Badge. This show gave residents a look into how the police department works.
The Bear's Nest Community
The Bear's Nest is a fancy, gated community in Park Ridge. It has townhouses with luxury features. Residents can use a community clubhouse, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a floral park. Some famous people have lived in The Bear's Nest, including former President Richard M. Nixon and his wife, Pat Nixon. Also, Tom Coughlin, who used to coach the New York Giants, lived there.
Emergency Services
Park Ridge has several important emergency services to keep everyone safe.
- The Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps helps Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, and Montvale. This group is made up of volunteers. They provide free emergency medical help whenever it's needed.
- Park Ridge has its own paid police department.
- The Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department started in 1898. It was formed by volunteers after a big fire destroyed a factory. The fire department is part of Bergen County Fire Battalion 8.
Famous People from Park Ridge
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Park Ridge:
- Jedh Colby Barker (1945–1967), a Marine who received the Medal of Honor for bravery in the Vietnam War.
- Tom Coughlin (born 1946), a football coach who won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants.
- Brian Cushing (born 1987), a former football linebacker for the Houston Texans.
- Karen Duffy (born 1961), a model and author.
- James Gandolfini (1961–2013), a well-known actor.
- Raymond Gilmartin (born 1941), a business leader who was the CEO of Merck & Co..
- Bill Griffeth (born 1956), a financial journalist for CNBC.
- Kevin Herget (born 1991), a professional baseball pitcher.
- Augie Hoffmann (born 1981), a football player and coach.
- Pat Nixon (1912–1993), the former First Lady of the United States, wife of Richard Nixon.
- Richard Nixon (1913–1994), the 37th President of the United States.
- Tom Papa (born 1968), a comedian, actor, and host.
- The Roches (Maggie, Terre, and Suzzy), a group of singer-songwriters.
- Larry Rosen (1940–2015), a musician and jazz producer.
- Stephanie Ruhle (born 1975), a news anchor for MSNBC.
- Travis Stever (born 1978), the lead guitarist for the band Coheed and Cambria.
- Dyanne Thorne (1936–2020), an actress.
- Matt Turner (born 1994), a goalkeeper for the US National Soccer Team and Arsenal.
Fun Annual Events
Park Ridge hosts several fun events throughout the year:
- Memorial Day Parade: Every Memorial Day, Park Ridge joins with Woodcliff Lake and Montvale for an annual parade. The Park Ridge High School Marching Band participates and hands out candy!
- Ragamuffin Parade: Each October, children aged 12 and younger dress up in costumes for the Ragamuffin parade. They walk from Depot Square to Davies Field. After the parade, there's a costume contest, games, and music.
- Holiday Tree Lighting: In December, Park Ridge has an annual holiday tree lighting event. The Park Ridge High School choir and marching band perform. There are also free treats like popcorn and hot chocolate.
Images for kids
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County Route 503 in Park Ridge
See also
In Spanish: Park Ridge (Nueva Jersey) para niños
