Ridgefield Park

Gazing upon Ridgefield Park, a peculiar question arises: how did a desire for small-town charm lead to the birth of a new village? Ridgefield Park, established as Ridgefield Township in 1892, stands as a testament to the will of its founders. They sought to preserve a close-knit community amidst the burgeoning growth of Ridgefield. This desire, coupled with the ambition of local businessmen, carved out a distinct identity for this unique village. Ridgefield Park occupies a modest 1.911 square miles, nestled at an elevation of 56 feet. It’s bordered by a string of communities: Bogota, Hackensack, Leonia, Little Ferry, Palisades Park, Ridgefield, and Teaneck. Its strategic location, a mere stone’s throw from New York City – five miles from the George Washington Bridge and seven from the Lincoln Tunnel – connects it to the pulse of the metropolis. The story of Ridgefield Park traces back to 1685 when Hendricks Brinkerhoff acquired land from Epke Bante. This land, stretching from the Hackensack River to Overpeck Creek, formed the foundation of the future village. Over time, parts of the village were incorporated into other towns, including Bogota and Teaneck in the 1920s. Ridgefield Park boasts a vibrant tapestry of ethnicities and races. The largest group identifies as Hispanic or Latino, comprising 43.99% of the population. This melting pot of cultures contributes to the rich social fabric of the village. Did you know that Ridgefield Park has a connection to Hollywood? Scenes from the 1998 film “Rounders,” starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, were filmed at the local Elks Lodge. And speaking of traditions, Ridgefield Park’s Fourth of July parade, initiated in 1894, holds the distinction of being the longest continuously running Independence Day celebration in New Jersey, a testament to the village’s enduring spirit. Ridgefield Park may be small, but its history is rich, its location strategic, and its community diverse. It stands as a testament to the power of community vision and the enduring allure of small-town charm.