Hudson County Executive Craig Guy has announced the 2026 Hudson County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund award recommendations, proposing more than $12.4 million in funding for projects that will create and improve parks, recreational facilities, and historic sites throughout Hudson County.
The announcement was delivered at an event in Secaucus on Monday, where Guy highlighted the Town’s acquisition of 1.12 acres of new parkland. The site of the park will allow for a better connection from Meadow Lane to the Hackensack River, Secaucus Greenway, and Farm Road Park.
Event attendees included Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Anthony Romano, Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour, Secaucus First Ward Councilman John Gerbasio, Secaucus First Ward Councilman Robert Costantino, Secaucus Second Ward Councilman Jim Clancy, Secaucus Second Ward Councilman Mark Dehnert, Secaucus Third Ward Councilwoman Orietta Tringali, Secaucus Third Ward Councilman William McKeever, Weehawken Councilwoman Susan Jennings, East Newark Parts Department Director Maguire Branigan, and Harrison’s Principal Accountant Gregory Goode, CMFO.
The 2026 Open Space Trust Fund award recommendations will be voted on for approval by the Hudson County Board of Commissioners later this year. The recommendations include 19 projects across Hudson County municipalities. Recommended funding includes two brand-new park developments, improvements to 13 parks, two recreation facilities, one land acquisition, and one historic preservation project.
“The Hudson County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund represents the County’s commitment to improving quality of life in every municipality we serve,” commented Guy. “Even during challenging times, investing in parks, recreation, and open space remains essential. These projects create safe places for children to play, families to gather, and residents to enjoy the outdoors while strengthening the communities they call home.”
“Hudson County’s Open Space Trust Fund had been an incredible resource for municipalities like Secaucus,” said Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli. “This project will improve public access to our waterfront, strengthen connections to existing parks and trails, and create additional recreational opportunities for residents and families to enjoy for years to come.”
Additional recommended projects for 2026 include new athletic fields, upgraded playgrounds, recreation facility improvements, and historic preservation initiatives throughout Hudson County.
Created in 2003 by then-Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise with approval from the Hudson County Board of Commissioners and authorized under NJSA 40:12, the Hudson County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund was subsequently approved by Hudson County voters through a countywide referendum that same year. The program awarded its first funding cycle in October 2005.
Since its inception, the Open Space Trust Fund has awarded approximately $125 million for projects throughout Hudson County, helping municipalities create new parks, upgrade playgrounds and recreational facilities, preserve historic sites, and expand access to open space for residents.