03 Aug ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO DEDICATES BRONZE BUST IN HONOR OF ESSEX COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR DANIEL K. SALVANTE Mr. Salvante is the Longest Serving Parks Director in the History of Essex County
Published on August 3, 2024
Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. dedicated a bronze bust of long-time Essex County Parks Director Daniel K. Salvante in the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in Essex County Branch Brook Park in Newark on Wednesday, July 24th. The surprise presentation was made in recognition of Mr. Salvante being the Parks Director for 28 years, the longest tenure of anyone in Essex County history.
“For almost three decades Dan has put his heart and soul into overseeing our parks and open spaces. When I took office 22 years ago, I wanted Dan to remain as Parks Director because he understood that revitalizing our parks and recreation facilities were among my priorities. There is no question that we work as a team, and he is someone who I trust immensely. I am proud to have him as one of my closest friends,” DiVincenzo said. “The amount of time that Dan has given to Essex County is commendable and should not go unnoticed. We have been dedicating busts to people who have made a difference in Essex County and Dan is certainly worthy of this honor,” he added.
“This has just blown me away. I am really touched by all of this. This is something I never expected and wasn’t looking for,” said Salvante, who at times was emotional. “This is the best job in the world because I get to work for one of the greatest advocates for parks and recreation in Joe D,” he added.
“Dan is one of the most influential and dedicated individuals to serve Essex County and he has achieved a lasting impact in the parks,” said retired Freeholder Nicholas Rolli who is a longtime friend of Salvante’s. Another longtime friend, Al Frungillo, said there is “nothing better than the partnership between Dan and Joe D.”
Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin described Salvante as a perfectionist whose greatest accomplishment is not what he has accomplished in the Parks System, but how proud he is of this children and grandchildren.
“People admire Dan for all the work he has done and accomplished in the parks,” Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.
“This has been one of the biggest secrets I have ever had to keep,” Deputy Parks Director Kate Hartwyk said about keeping the dedication as a surprise to Salvante. “Dan is someone who will always be in the trenches with you. He prefers working alongside the team instead of leading from behind his desk,” she added.
Chris Myers, Recreation Director in Millburn and President of the NJ Recreation and Parks Association, pointed out that over the last 12 years, Salvante has earned 17 awards from the NJRPA. “We look at Dan as the dean of parks directors around the state. I believe his greatest accomplishment has been nurturing younger parks directors who he has encountered,” he said. NJRPA Past President Judith Leblin Josephs described Salvante as “a true visionary and example of the impact we have on our residents.”
The bronze bust is located inside the welcome center by the entrance. The granite base is inscribed with a quote from renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who was involved in the planning and design of Essex County Branch Brook Park: “The true value of a park lies not in its monetary worth, but in the way it enriches the lives of the people who visit it.” It continues: “Dan Salvante was named Essex County Parks Director in 1996 and, as of 2024, has overseen the department for 28 years, making him the longest serving Parks Director in Essex County history. In that time, he witnessed a rebirth and revitalization of the Parks System, which is the first county system created in the nation. Children climb on new playgrounds, athletes play on modern fields and courts, historic features are preserved, and natural vistas are enhanced. This attention enabled Essex to meet the changing needs of residents and transformed our Parks into the epicenter of our communities.”
Mr. Salvante became Director of the Essex County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs in 1996 during a previous administration. When DiVincenzo took office in 2003, he retained Mr. Salvante as Parks Director. He is responsible for overseeing the Essex County Parks System, which was formed in 1895 and is the first county park system created in the United States. It includes more than 6,000 acres and has 23 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, Turtle Back Zoo, Treetop Adventure Course, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, two miniature golf courses, six off-leash dog facilities, Kip’s Castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.
Prior to Essex County, he was the Parks and Recreation Director in Pequannock and the Deputy Director in Berkeley Heights. He is a member of the National Recreation and Park Association and the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association. He served as President of the NJRPA from 1995 to 1996 and Vice President from 1993 to 1994. The NJRPA presented Mr. Salvante with the Daniel B. Berman Award for Administrative Excellence in 1999. He graduated from William Paterson College (now university) and is a certified New Jersey recreation administrator.
He grew up in Verona and currently resides in South Orange. He and his wife Mary Fran have three children and five grandchildren.
The previous record of years of service to the Parks System was 27 years held by Allison Dodd who served as a member of the Parks Commission from 1921 to 1948.
