Isobel Olcott Honored as Trail Grant Program Marks 10-Year Milestone
Published on January 21, 2026
Original Advisory Committee Member Recognized for Decade of Service
The Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the Board of County Commissioners marked the milestone by honoring Isobel Olcott, an original member of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee, during its public meeting this afternoon in Morristown.
Olcott, who is stepping down from the advisory committee, was presented with a framed Resolution of Honor recognizing her decade of service guiding the program from its inception and her significant contributions to Morris County’s growing trail network.
“Programs like this succeed because of volunteers who bring expertise, dedication and thoughtful judgment,” said Deputy Director John Krickus. “As Isobel steps down after 10 years of service, we are proud to recognize her contributions and thank her for the lasting impact she has made on trail projects that connect communities, expand recreational opportunities and improve quality of life for our residents.”
Olcott has served on the Morris County Planning Board since 2001, bringing extensive municipal and county planning experience to her public service. In 2015, she was appointed to the Trail Program Policy Development Committee, which established the framework for what became the Trail Construction Grant Program. When the program was formally launched in 2016, Olcott was appointed as one of two planning board representatives and served as a charter member of the advisory committee.
“Today, the structure for applicants is strong and the requests for funding are plentiful. Having participated in various county projects for almost 50 years, I can personally attest that county efforts have preserved a balance between development and open space as an enduring legacy,” Olcott said. “I also want to thank Director Stephen Shaw for his participation in many planning board meetings and trail construction meetings.”
During her tenure, Olcott evaluated more than $11 million in grant applications and recommended more than $6.5 million in funding for trail projects, contributing to more than 35 miles of trails throughout Morris County. Her public service also includes earlier work with the Morris County Park Commission from 1982 to 1992, supporting efforts to promote the county park system and its programs.
Prior to the presentation of the resolution, Joseph Barilla, director of the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, provided an overview of the program’s progress and accomplishments as it enters its 10th year. Karl Klingener, special project manager with the Morris County Park Commission, and Betty Cass-Schmidt, chair of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee, also attended the meeting to congratulate Olcott.
Since its establishment in 2016, the Trail Construction Grant Program has awarded nearly $7.8 million in grants, supporting the construction of more than 23 miles of trails and the design of an additional 15 miles countywide. In 2025, the advisory committee recommended more than $1.2 million in funding for eight trail projects across Morris County.
Applications for the 2026 Trail Construction Grant Program will open this spring. Learn more about the Morris County Trail Construction Grant program on the Official Website of Morris County, N.J.
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Photo 1: (l-r) Karl Klingener, special project manager with the Morris County Park Commission; Commissioners Deborah Smith and Thomas Mastrangelo; Isobel Olcott; Deputy Director John Krickus; Commissioner Tayfun Selen (on screen, attended virtually); Commissioner Christine Myers; Betty Cass-Schmidt, chair of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee; Commissioner Douglas Cabana; and Joseph Barilla, director of the Office of Planning and Preservation.
Photo 2: Construction grant completed in 2023 at Kleitman Woods, Morristown. Kleitman Woods is a pocket park located in a residential neighborhood and consists of a surface change of natural surface to porous pavement.