Jersey City Residents Cheer $35 Million in State Budget for Capital Improvements, Athletic Fields & Community Gardens at Liberty State Park

For Immediate Release
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Saturday, June 29, 2024 – Jersey City residents who have fought for years in support of community-first enhancements to Liberty State Park that prioritize active recreation opportunities for local children and families, cheered news today of $35,000,000 being appropriated from the “New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund” to improve Liberty State Park.

According to the budget language, the significant investment from the state “shall be used only for the construction of athletic fields, active recreation, community center, railroad terminal, community gardens, and improvements that directly support such facilities, including concessions, restrooms, and mobility within Liberty State Park.”

Local residents applauded the leadership of Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Hudson County’s own State Senator Brian Stack and State Senator Angela McKnight of Jersey City, for their efforts to make this dream a reality for so many.

“We want to thank Governor Murphy, Senators Stack and McKnight, and legislative leaders in Trenton for hearing our voices and making this significant investment in our city – which will at long last help to create a Liberty State Park for ALL now and into the future,” said People’s Park Foundation President Bob Hurley, Sr.  “Moreover, it’s important to note that this simply never could have happened without the tireless efforts of Hudson County’s own Senator Stack.  The Senator is a true friend to Jersey City and its residents.”

According to Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker, the funding also ensures that Liberty State Park will be a focal point of New Jersey’s efforts in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to recent reports, the worldwide soccer tournament is projected to spur as much as $2 billion in economic impact, help to create 14,000 new jobs, and attract over one million tourists to the region.

“For years, thousands of concerned citizens have advocated to their elected representatives, attended public hearings, wrote letters to the editor, spoke out on social media, and spread the word amongst their neighbors that Liberty State Park was in dire need of improvements that would benefit the local community.  It’s gratifying to see all that hard work rewarded.  We could not be more excited to see this project come to fruition and look forward to the critical role that Jersey City and our park will play in the upcoming FIFA World Cup and future events in our newly enhanced park,” said Commissioner Walker.

Make Your Voice Heard

As a resident of New Jersey, I am writing to express my deep concern about the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s plan to flood Liberty State Park with 170 acres of water.

I strongly advocate for enhancing the park with amenities that will benefit local families and seniors, such as a community center, multi-use fields, an amphitheater, and an outdoor marketplace. These improvements would not only enrich the park experience but also better serve the needs of Jersey City and Hudson County especially considering Liberty State Park is already surrounded by 600 acres of water.

Please hear our voices, work with us, and develop a plan that truly creates a Liberty State Park for ALL! Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to your continued efforts in enhancing Liberty State Park for current and future generations.

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