Original Advisory Committee Member Honored for Decade of Dedication
MORRISTOWN – The Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program is celebrating a decade of accomplishments, and the Board of County Commissioners recognized Isobel Olcott, an original member of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee, for her instrumental contributions during a public meeting held this afternoon.
Olcott, who is stepping down from her advisory role after ten years of service, received a framed Resolution of Honor acknowledging her dedication to the program since its inception. Her efforts have been central to the development of Morris County’s expanding trail network, which now spans more than 35 miles and enhances outdoor recreational opportunities for residents across the county.
“Programs like this thrive because of volunteers who bring both expertise and unwavering commitment,” said Deputy Director John Krickus. “Isobel’s guidance over the past decade has been invaluable, and her influence can be seen in the trails that connect our communities and improve quality of life for so many residents.”
Olcott’s public service stretches back decades. She has served on the Morris County Planning Board since 2001, offering critical insight into municipal and county planning initiatives. In 2015, she was appointed to the Trail Program Policy Development Committee, which established the foundation for what would become the Trail Construction Grant Program. When the program formally launched in 2016, Olcott was appointed as one of two planning board representatives and became a charter member of the advisory committee, shaping its direction from the outset.
Reflecting on her tenure, Olcott remarked, “The program has grown tremendously, with strong structures in place for applicants and increasing interest from the community. Having participated in county planning efforts for nearly five decades, I can confidently say that these projects have preserved the balance between development and open space, leaving a lasting legacy. I also want to thank Director Stephen Shaw for his consistent participation in planning and trail construction meetings.”
Over her ten years on the advisory committee, Olcott evaluated more than $11 million in grant applications and recommended over $6.5 million in funding for trail projects. Her recommendations contributed to the construction of more than 35 miles of new trails, fostering accessible recreational spaces and connecting neighborhoods throughout Morris County. Her service extends further back, including work with the Morris County Park Commission from 1982 to 1992, where she supported initiatives that strengthened the county’s park system.
The anniversary celebration also included remarks from Joseph Barilla, director of the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, who highlighted the program’s decade-long achievements. Karl Klingener, special project manager with the Morris County Park Commission, and Betty Cass-Schmidt, chair of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee, joined in congratulating Olcott for her enduring commitment.
Since its launch, the Trail Construction Grant Program has awarded nearly $7.8 million in grants, enabling the construction of more than 23 miles of trails and the design of an additional 15 miles countywide. In 2025 alone, the advisory committee approved more than $1.2 million in funding for eight projects that will further expand recreational opportunities and enhance connectivity across Morris County.
Applications for the 2026 Trail Construction Grant Program are set to open this spring. Individuals and organizations interested in learning more about the program can find details on the construction page of the Morris County section.
Isobel Olcott’s decade of service leaves a lasting imprint on Morris County, not only through miles of trails but also through the strategic foresight, passion, and dedication she brought to the program. Her legacy ensures that the Trail Construction Grant Program will continue to thrive and benefit communities for years to come.
