During a press conference held in Kearny on Monday afternoon, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the Hudson County Open Space, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund by announcing he and the Open Space Advisory Board plan to award $11.7 million in funding for 2025. The awards will come up for a vote before the Board of County Commissioners on August 14, 2025.
The Trust Fund is a program, that during its two decade life, has appropriated a total of $112,203,252. That money has led to the creation of over 20 parks; the establishment, upgrading, or improvement of 42 recreation facilities; the development or rehabilitation of 14 spray parks and over 50 playgrounds. It has also preserved 19 historic sites throughout all 12 municipalities in the County.
A press release provided by the County states, “In 2003, then-Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, with subsequent approval by the County Commissioners created the Hudson County Open Space, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund, sanctioned under NJSA 40:12. That same year, Hudson County voters approved the creation of the Open Space Trust Fund and the first funding cycle was awarded in October of 2005.”
The following projects are the recommended 2025 awardees of the Open Space, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund:
- Bayonne: 16th Street Miniature Golf Course Improvements
- Bayonne: Improvements to W. 24th Street Playground
- East Newark: Veterans Playground & Water Park
- Harrison: Sixth Street Courts/Firemen’s Memorial Playground
- Hoboken: Skate Park and Waterfront Walkway Upgrades Project
- Hoboken: Tom Olivieri Park Improvement Project
- Jersey City Board of Education: Caven Point Turf Field Replacement
- Jersey City Redevelopment Agency: Bayfront Promenade Park Phase II
- Jersey City: Arlington Park Improvements Project
- Kearny: Kearny Crew House Improvement Project
- North Bergen: Stan Newman Field Improvements Project
- Secaucus: Buchmuller Park Playground Resurfacing Project
- Secaucus: Shetik Field Pickleball Court Construction Project
- Union City: Ellsworth Park Improvements
- Union City: Peru Park Improvements, Phase 2
- Weehawken: Gregory Park Renovations
- West New York: Fillmore Park Improvement Project Phase II
- West New York: St. Mary’s Park Improvement Project
- Save Ellis Island, Inc.: Preservation Ellis Island Hospitals
- Hudson County Parks: Lincoln Park Track Upgrades and Rehabilitation
- Hudson County Parks: Rehabilitation to Spray Park in Stephen R. Gregg
- Hudson County Parks: Laurel Hill Pickleball Courts and Walkway
During Monday’s press conference, County Executive Guy remarked, “My administration is determined to continue making Hudson County the best place to live, work, raise a family. This is why in 2024 I championed the Open Space levy to return to a full penny with the agreement of the County’s local elected leaders and the Board of County Commissioners – making 2025 the largest funding cycle since the Open Space Trust Fund’s inception. As the County celebrates this milestone achievement of 20 years, we reflect on why the Open Space Trust Fund was created – to upgrade, repair and create open spaces and parks in all 12 municipalities within the County. From new accessible parks and playgrounds to splash pads and athletic fields, the rust Fund has been a resource to ensure these community spaces are top notch and safe for all residents.”
Joining Guy and Chairman Romano at the event was County Commissioner Albert Cifelli (District 9), who stated, “I proudly represent residents throughout my district who play at the Brighton Avenue Playground, Harvey Field, and the Kearny Roller Hockey Rink. These wonderful parks personify the mission of the Open Space, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund. This is what the program is all about – young people and adults, including those with accessibility problems, spending more time outdoors and doing so with safe equipment and fields.”
“Many students of all ages utilize the parks and athletic fields the Open Space Trust Fund has provided throughout Kearny. As Superintendent of Kearny’s school district, I understand the critical importance of recreation and open space in a child’s development. Playing in safe and upgraded playgrounds and parks enable children to learn to share and expand their imagination while learning crucial motor, creative and problem-solving skills,” said Kearny School District Superintendent, Flora Encarnacao.
For a video of the press conference, please visit HudCoTV on YouTube.
For the story map of the Open Space projects and the Board’s 2025 Recommendations Report, click here.