A major boost to the plans to increase West Milford’s tourism reputation is pending in the woods and parking lots of a former theme park. The 865 acres which used to house Warner Brothers Jungle Habitat could be leased in its entirety to the township if it meets with the agreement of state officials. Town Councilman Carmelo Scangarello had hoped to be one step closer to the deal by now but was thwarted by a winter’s blast. Scangarello had planned to meet with all relevant participants last Friday, however the adverse weather buried that plan along with the rest of the town in a foot of snow. Scangarello is still upbeat that the leasing will go ahead. On Wednesday of this week he said, “I hope to speak to John Flynn from Green Acres and Jose Fernandez of the state’s Parks and Recreation by telephone tomorrow.” The plan would supersede the current arrangement whereby the town acquires a lease on 80 acres of the land for the sum of $1 per year. That plan had been hatched between the state and township officials when attempting to reconcile the $1 million-plus payment the state was and still is due to forward to the township for the value of the land’s redevelopment. Scangarello assured the cost of lease would be no greater than the sum currently paid. The potential uses of the land are vast and allow far greater accessibility than other outdoor activities currently available in town, according to the councilman. “The land at Jungle Habitat could be used by everyone from toddler to senior citizen. The opportunities there are overwhelming,” said Scangarello. Scangarello continued, “The trails are intact and unlike other trails in West Milford these are paved. Senior citizens could hike on these trails and even those in wheelchairs. “There is also the possibility for camper vans to use it as an overnight rest site when visiting the town and Greenwood Lake area. The possibilities for eco-tourism are endless.” The complete leasing also leaves scope for development in one of Scangarello’s favorite issues recreation. “If we lift up some of the tarmac which wouldn’t be used, we could build some new ball fields,” said Scangarello. The recently re-elected councilman had been a vocal supporter of the referendum allowing part of the money raised through taxes for open space to be made available for recreation purposes. The referendum was rejected by the majority of voters. In early November the town council established a Tourism and Economic Development Committee. The committee will not actually start functioning until next month when all five positions are filled and confirmed by Mayor Joseph DiDonato. Scangarello is also credited with playing a major role in producing this year’s Fourth of July “Thunder in the Highlands” and the Cole Brother Circus, both of which took place on the former Jungle Habitat land. Jungle Habitat was opened in 1972 as a wildlife safari park inviting visitors to the town from a wide area. It closed just four years later and even today the park incites fabled tales of wild animals escaping and wandering throughout the town, much to the surprise of residents. The publication Weird NJ prints tales of visitor’s recollections of the park and its vivid legacy.