On Monday, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak celebrated the start of Earth Week 2026 by announcing the joint acquisition of the site of a vacant building in Union City that the city will transform into a youth soccer field. The acquisition will help deliver critically needed recreational space to one of the country’s most densely populated communities.
Acting Commissioner Potosnak was joined at the site on Palisade Avenue by State Senator and Union City Mayor Brian Stack along with other state and local officials to mark the partnership with Union City and the DEP’s Green Acres Program.
“Community revitalization happens one block at a time, one neighborhood at a time,” Governor Mikie Sherrill said. “This project reminds us that Earth Week is a time to not only value the protection of open space and natural resources, but that green spaces come in all shapes and sizes and projects like this make our communities like Union City healthier and more livable. I commend Senator Brian Stack and Union City for partnering with the DEP to make this project possible, and for prioritizing the health and wellbeing of youth in our local communities.”
“This Earth Week, the Sherrill Administration is delivering on its mission to revitalize communities and provide equitable access to open space,” said Acting Commissioner Potosnak. “Green Acres has time and time again proven to be a transformative force for communities and families across the state – and this project is a testament to how local vision and state leadership bring to life the first park in one of the most densely populated communities in 15 years. This is what delivering for New Jerseyans looks like, and that’s what the NJDEP will continue to do.”
“This partnership exemplifies how state and local collaboration can transform communities,” said Senator and Union City Mayor Stack. “In one of the most densely populated sections of our city, this soccer field will provide our young people with a safe, accessible place to play and grow.”
Once completed, the soccer field will serve thousands of Union City youth and families in a neighborhood where access to outdoor recreation space is limited. The field will be the largest of its type in the northern section of Union City.
Earlier this year, the Green Acres State Land Acquisition Bureau and the Green Acres Local and Nonprofit Assistance Program partnered with Union City to acquire the property for $4,075,000. Through a joint ownership structure of 95% state and 5% city, the state’s substantial investment in the acquisition frees up municipal resources to demolish the long-vacant, 17,000-square-foot building at the site and develop the new soccer field, creating opportunities where new recreation space has been limited.
“People living in overburdened communities are more likely to lack access to open space compared to other communities,” said Alex Rivera, Chairman of the Garden State Preservation Trust. “NJDEP’s efforts to create parks in urban areas is critical to ensuring New Jersey’s kids have a place for fun, nature, and community. The good memories people will make here is our measure of success.”
The project is part of the DEP’s State Land Acquisition Bureau’s Expansion and Creation of Urban Parks initiative, which focuses on increasing close-to-home open space and neighborhood parks throughout New Jersey. The DEP collaborates with local governments to meet community needs that align with local planning priorities, with emphasis on addressing recreation deficits in densely populated urban areas.
Outdoor recreation spaces support positive health and social outcomes by providing areas for fitness, relaxation, and community connection. With many communities lacking sufficient green spaces, tree coverage, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities, DEP is committed to advancing equity and environmental justice in creating and expanding the state’s open space and outdoor recreation opportunities.
“Green Acres is truly invested in these important partnerships,” said Green Acres Director Martha Sullivan Sapp. “Working together with local governments and nonprofits is the best way to ensure close-to-home recreation and open space for all New Jerseyans.”
As Union City moves forward with developing the new soccer field, the municipality may explore additional funding options through Green Acres. The program provides grants and zero-interest loans to municipal and county governments, and matching grants to nonprofit organizations for open space acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development.