Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who currently owns and operates the Hopewell Quarry? 

The Hopewell Quarry was purchased in August 2021 by the Friends of Hopewell Quarry (“FOHQ”), a nonprofit, as a protected open space. 

Q: Is the Quarry still a for-profit business? 

No! Since being purchased by FOHQ, it is now operated as a non-profit organization.  

Q: What is FOHQ’s vision for the Quarry? 

As a non-profit organization, FOHQ is dedicated to maintaining the Quarry for decades to come as an “old-fashioned swimming hole”, an idyllic community asset and gathering spot. FOHQ seeks to expand the access to the Quarry more broadly (having previously been operated as a members-only, local business). Season passes are still available of course, but day passes are being introduced this year to  help accomplish that goal. 

Q: What expenses do the season/day passes cover? 

Our successful re-opening on May 28th, 2022 was almost entirely thanks to donations and loans. But in future seasons, the admissions revenue from season/day passes is intended to cover the bulk of the ongoing operating expenses, which include employee salaries (operations manager, lifeguards, front entrance attendants), pool maintenance and supplies, landscaping maintenance, rescue/first aid equipment, facilities upkeep and cleaning (grills, picnic tables, volleyball court, port-o-johns), recreational equipment (like inner tubes and corn-hole boards), and numerous other recurring costs. 

Q: Are there other costs associated with the re-opening and refurbishment of the Quarry? 

There sure are, and they are large expenses! First and foremost, we have a quite sizable outstanding loans as part of the initial purchase. In addition, as part of FOHQ’s master plan, we need to address some important, and in some cases urgent, upgrade requirements. As examples, we need to replace the septic system, which is currently not operational. The kitchen and bathrooms need major repairs and renovations. We are keen to improve the Quarry’s accessibility to our disabled guests, with additional handrails, sidewalks and ramps. The parking lot needs new road base and the out-buildings need various repairs and improvements. These loans and projects add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and are nowhere near being covered by the anticipated regular operating revenue. 

Q: Where will the funding for these projects come from? 

The funding will come from three main sources: donations, grants and fundraising.

We are incredibly  grateful for all the donations we have received already, including some very substantial contributions  from supportive community members that helped to meaningfully defray the initial purchase price of the Quarry. In addition, we were granted $341,450 in Green Acres funding toward the quarry purchase, and will be applying for stewardship funds in the future. We are also in talks with Mercer County and the Township of Hopewell about municipal matching funds from their Open Space Trust Funds. 

As for fundraising, we have been gratified by the enthusiasm and support of the  local community, including a successful Spa Day at Alchemy Mind and Body courtesy of owner Denyse Thedinga and her wonderful staff. More  fundraisers will be announced in the near future. 

Additional members of the business and township community who have stepped up to help are Kales Nursery and Landscape Service who donated flowers, and Rosedale Mills who also donated flowers and assisted with recommendations for food truck vendors. NJ Events donated free porta-potties during our offseason leading up the re-opening. 

Special mention goes to the following folks who have contributed much time and guidance to FOHQ: Hopewell Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning; Renata Barnes, Outdoor Equity Alliance Coordinator at the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS); and Mike Van Clef, Stewardship Director at FoHVOS, who provided his ecological expertise to a walk-through of the upper forest area of the quarry. We are also deeply indebted to the many local residents and interested parties who contributed their “sweat equity”, in one form or another, to successfully bringing the vision of a non-profit quarry to life. 

With all of that said, considering the extent of the remaining balance from the purchase loans, as well as all of the required improvements previously enumerated, we are in “all-hands-on-deck” mode to reach financial equilibrium and fulfill the vision of a fully refurbished  community landmark that will be here for years to come.

Q: So how can I help? 

First and foremost, we can always use volunteers! Whether it is donating your time to our clean-up days, or donating your skill as a craftsman, or donating financial resources, we welcome everyone’s involvement, to whatever degree you are able to contribute. We are tremendously grateful for every bit of help we receive. You can volunteer through our website at www.hopewellquarry.org. On the website, you can also order Quarry apparel to show your support and pride, with a portion of the funds going to our ongoing needs.

If you are a local vendor and would be interested in a fundraiser, please also contact us at hello@hopewellquarry.org!

Q: Are there other organizations you are partnering with? 

Yes. D&R Greenway was instrumental in our initial planning and strategies. Hopewell Township been supportive of our mission and re-opening. The Sourlands Conservancy, The Watershed Institute and the professional staff of State of New Jersey DEP and Mercer County have all been extremely helpful and provided us with a lot of great advice and support. We look forward to furthering these partnerships, as well as identifying opportunities to collaborate with other non-profits to share and utilize our newly preserved property for the benefit of the entire community.

Q: Where can I get more information? 

In addition to our website, follow us on social media pages for the latest news and updates!