Hudson County officials revealed $11.7 million in Open Space Trust Fund grants at the Hartung Recreation Center in Kearny on the 20-year anniversary of the program’s creation.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“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,” Hudson County Executive Craig Guy said in a statement.
“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 trust fund has been a resource to ensure these community spaces are top notch and safe for all residents.”
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.
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.
“On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, I commend the legacy of the Open Space, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund,” added Hudson County Board of Commissioner Chair Anthony Romano.
“For 20 years, the County’s Open Space Trust Fund has given new life to parks and playgrounds across all 12 of our municipalities, bringing joy and recreation to thousands of residents daily. For two decades, this program has been improving the communities we proudly represent, and I look forward to supporting future Open Space projects.”
Since it’s inception, the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund has appropriated a total of $112,203,252; created over 20 parks; established, upgraded, or improved 42 recreation facilities; developed or rehabilitated 14 spray parks and over 50 playgrounds; and preserved 19 historic sites countywide.
“Kearny is immensely proud to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Hudson County’s Open Space Trust Fund here at the Kearny Crew House – home to many rowers including Kearny’s Boys and Girls Crew team,” noted Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle.
We are all excited to see the boat house transform into a state-of-the-art facility that will help our teams take it to the next level, thanks to the Open Space Trust Fund and the State of NJ Green Acres Program.”
The following projects are the recommended 2025 awardees of the Open Space, Recreation, and 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
