This article was excerpted from Images of America: Allendale.
In 1927, property owners Christopher J. Smith and Stephen T. Van Houten wanted to convert the area surrounding Mallinson’s Pond into a lakeside real estate development. Given the impact of the Depression, they decided to open a swimming club, known as Crestwood Lake. It was a huge success.
On August 12, 1971, the council approved Ordinance No. 374 to raise the funds to buy Crestwood for $1 million. The property would be used for recreation and would be considered as a site for various municipal buildings. September 11, 1971 was Crestwood Day, which included the dedication of the newly owned lake and swim club.
On September 11, 2004, three years to the day of the September 11, 2001, tragedy, hundreds of families, friends, and neighbors gathered at Crestwood Park to attend the unveiling of a black granite monument in memory of the event. The monument included a bronze eagle, its wings outstretched, and a draped American flag.