Paterson Great Falls National Park Marks 15th Anniversary, Highlighting Establishment Efforts
Leonard Zax reflects on the 15th anniversary of the Paterson Great Falls National Park and the efforts involved in its establishment.

Great Falls, MT, November 12, 2026 —
The Paterson Great Falls National Park is celebrating its 15th anniversary, marking a significant milestone since its establishment. This occasion prompts reflection on the dedicated efforts and considerable work undertaken to bring the park into existence.
Leonard Zax, a key figure involved in the park’s development, shared insights into the journey of establishing the Paterson Great Falls National Park. The anniversary serves as a moment to acknowledge the collaborative endeavors that were crucial in preserving and recognizing this natural and historical site. The establishment of the park involved extensive planning, community engagement, and advocacy to secure its designation.
The Paterson Great Falls themselves are a prominent natural feature, located on the Passaic River. Historically, the area around the falls was a significant industrial hub. The creation of the national park aimed to protect these falls and their surrounding landscape, while also preserving the rich industrial heritage of Paterson, New Jersey. The designation recognized the falls as the second-largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, highlighting their natural beauty and ecological importance.
The process of establishing a national park is typically complex, involving multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, environmental organizations, and historical societies. While the summary provided does not detail specific challenges, timelines, or the names of other key individuals or organizations involved, it underscores that the establishment of the Paterson Great Falls National Park was the result of sustained commitment and collaboration.
As the park commemorates 15 years, its continued operation and the preservation of its natural and historical resources remain a focus. The anniversary invites renewed appreciation for the landscape and the successful efforts that led to its protection under federal stewardship. The specific details regarding the timeline of Zax’s reflections or any specific hurdles encountered during the establishment phase were not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Google News on news.google.com, see more information here.