Rod Leith has been the appointed Borough Historian of Rutherford in Bergen County since 2003, preceded by Fred Bunker (1980-1999) and Alan Note (2000-2002). The tribute to Willard and Marjorie Reenstra was envisioned by Leith as an opportunity to pay respect to two Rutherford citizens who  dedicated themselves to the promotion and understanding of historic architectural preservation and the reclaiming of a great resource of the Passaic River Basin and the venerated sport of Passaic River rowing. In planning a tribute to the Reenstras and the formal dedication of Riverside Park, Leith also encouraged the community to mark and celebrate the 150th anniversary of Nereid Boat Club, one of the oldest rowing clubs in New Jersey.