Nestled in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, Ringwood is a scenic community known for its natural beauty—but like many suburban towns, it faces challenges when it comes to walkability, bike access, and sustainable transportation options. To help the Borough envision a safer, more connected future, Dresdner Robin’s Planning team led the development of Connecting Ringwood, a community-driven action plan aimed at improving active transportation networks while enhancing quality of life.
The project began with a simple but powerful question: How can we better connect the places people live, work, and play—without relying solely on cars?
Working closely with Borough officials, regional partners, and residents, our team launched a robust planning process. Through public workshops, stakeholder interviews, and an online survey, we gathered deep insights into the mobility needs and values of the community. The message was clear: Ringwood residents wanted a town that was more walkable, more bike-friendly, and more environmentally sustainable.
Community Visioning & Assessment
With that vision in hand, our planners conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Borough’s existing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Key issues emerged, including:
- Missing or deteriorated sidewalks
- Unmarked or unsafe street crossings
- Gaps in bicycle connectivity and no dedicated bike lanes
- Limited multimodal access to key destinations such as schools, parks, and downtown areas
These infrastructure gaps, combined with local mobility data showing heavy car reliance, made it clear that strategic investments were necessary to encourage safer, more sustainable alternatives.
Planning Strategy & Design
Dresdner Robin responded with a detailed, phased action plan, providing both big-picture direction and tangible, implementable projects. Our work included:
- Development of a town-wide bicycle and pedestrian network with priority corridors
- Street redesign concepts that incorporated green infrastructure and traffic calming measures
- Crossing and intersection upgrades to improve access into and around the Borough
- Cross-sectional design concepts for sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared-use paths
- A realistic, phased implementation strategy including short-, mid-, and long-term projects
The plan also ensured compatibility with the Borough’s long-term goals.
Milestones & Early Implementation
The Connecting Ringwood plan was officially adopted by the Borough Council in August 2024, marking a critical milestone in the community’s commitment to sustainable transportation. The project was funded through a Highlands Council Economic Development Grant, underscoring its regional significance.
And importantly, momentum has already taken root: Skyline Lakes Drive, one of the plan’s recommended corridors, has already undergone safety and accessibility improvements—bringing the plan from concept to construction within its first year.
Impact & Looking Ahead
The final plan provides Ringwood with a clear, actionable path to creating a more walkable, bikeable, and connected future. It positions the Borough to pursue additional funding through New Jersey’s Complete Streets and sustainable transportation initiatives, while also serving as a blueprint for inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.
For Dresdner Robin, Connecting Ringwood reflects the best of our multidisciplinary practice—where Planning, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geospatial Analysis come together to deliver meaningful and measurable impact.