Hudson County Announces Funding For Braddock Park Nature Trail

May 12, 2025

130

It already has numerous acres of open space, a playground, a dog run, a huge lake for boating and fishing, numerous fields for football, soccer, baseball and softball, plus tennis courts and a statue for its namesake. Soon, North Bergen’s county-run, James J. Braddock Park will likely be getting a nature trail for residents to walk and exercise.

Earlier today, Hudson County Executive Guy announced that the County’s Green Acres application for the Braddock Park Nature Trail in North Bergen has been recommended for funding. Once approved by the New Jersey Legislature, Hudson County will be awarded a $2,099,000 million grant to improve James J. Braddock Park and create a Nature Trail, a walking trail that will allow residents to exercise.

In a statement, Guy said “I am thrilled that Hudson County’s Green Acres Program application to construct a Nature Trail in North Bergen’s James J. Braddock Park has been recommended for funding. As County Executive I have prioritized green space improvements through the County’s Open Space Trust Fund, and this Green Acres Program funding will allow us to continue making upgrades to our parks. North Bergen’s Braddock Park is a gem in our County parks’ system and this green space helps residents remain active, connected to nature, and is crucial to maintaining both North Bergen and Hudson County’s high quality of life. My administration and I will continue our work in developing amenities like this Nature Trail across Hudson County for residents and families to enjoy.”

County Board of Commissioners Chairman Anthony Romano added, “As elected officials, it is imperative that we remain responsive to the needs of the community and Hudson County has seen great improvement in the number of green and open spaces available to residents – but there is still work to be done. The James J. Braddock Park Nature Trail will be a shining example of what the County is doing when we work together.”

North Bergen’s representative on the Hudson County Board, Commissioner Bob Baselice, added, “Open spaces give all residents – especially children – opportunities to learn about and appreciate the natural world around them that greatly improves their quality of life. We represent the people, and we must make decisions that benefit residents, especially when they are sitting at the table and telling us what they need. Hudson County as a whole is invested in providing opportunities to enjoy time outdoors, and in the preservation of the nature that surrounds us. This project is a part of that, and I’m proud to work with County Executive Guy and the Board of County Commissioners to get it done.”

Based upon its application, according to a press release from the County, “the Braddock Park Nature Trail project will include a walking trail with lighting, observation platforms, interpretive signage, and seating. Proposed improvements also include the removal of invasive species, the plantings of native species, improved park maintenance access, Wi-Fi, and an emergency call system at the site. These improvements will expand the network of open space by increasing connectivity between James J. Braddock Park and River Road, while at the same time protecting and revitalizing this natural area. The concept for the James J. Braddock Park Nature Trail project originated through community feedback about the redevelopment of the site. Over a decade ago, in 2014, a Community Vision Plan was prepared by the American Planning Association; however, there was no funding available for implementation.”

Last year Hudson County solicited the services of Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc. to revisit the vision for the site and prepare a concept plan for Braddock Park. The concept plan included feedback from various County departments and members of the public resulting in various iterations.

The Green Acres Program was created back in 1961 to meet New Jersey’s growing recreation and conservation needs.

For more information on the project, click here for the full list of Green Acres Program project descriptions. Hudson County project proposals are on page 17.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply