Jersey City officials are celebrating the transformation of a 130-foot by 87-foot makeshift, patchy grass field in Riverview-Fisk Park into a multipurpose turf field that is now open to all residents.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We are always looking for opportunities to enhance our parks infrastructure across the city, and this community-driven project is one more way for people to get maximum use of the park,” Mayor Steven Fulop, who lives a stone’s throw away from the field, said in a statement.
“We found residents and families were using the patchy grass area as an improvised field, and so we leveled the lot and added turf for a safer, more versatile, and durable multipurpose field that everyone can enjoy for games and sports.”
The city leveled the property and installed turf to convert the area into a playable field for recreational sports.
A sidewalk was also built along the length of the field to provide a safe connection. The streetscape has been further improved with tree plantings and rain gardens along the edge of the sidewalk that are protected with tree guards.
“It is a simple but functional change because people will now be able to use it as a true field for all types of sports, games, and activities. It is a flexible space that everyone can now use for freeform play,” added Department of Infrastructure Director Barkha Patel.
The field is now enclosed with a new three-sided fence to protect people using the neighboring walking path overlooking the Palisades Cliffs from being inconvenienced or at risk of injury from the increased sports use.
“Our parks are more important now than ever as our community continues to grow, and time outside has become so important to our residents’ mental and physical well-being,” began Founder and Committee Co-Chair of Friends of Riverview-Fisk Park and Board Member of the Jersey City Parks Coalition Roger Heitmann.
“We initially began planning for this multipurpose field years ago with input from the Riverview Neighborhood Association membership, and we are pleased that the plan has come to fruition. Thank you to the city for seeing it through. We hope it provides the intended recreational and social opportunities to all that will share the space.”
This latest improvement project follows the recent renovation at Riverview-Fisk Park, including the installation of a splash park, bocce ball court, tree plantings, landscaping, an irrigation system, shade structures, a community bulletin board, steel fencing, bench seating, new light fixtures, and a new multipurpose plaza with a central water fountain.
To complement the park’s renowned views overlooking the vast NYC skyline, the city also restored several historical monuments.
“The community has long requested this new multipurpose field and is a first in the Heights. Soccer fans finally have a place to play! Thank you to Mayor Fulop, Director Patel, and the Department of Infrastructure for making this dream a reality for the Ward D community,” noted Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh, who represents the Heights.
In addition to the surface improvements, underground upgrades include new foundations, conduit, water lines, drainage lines, stormwater absorption, and site grading as part of the project, as well as the installation of a new water service line including meters, back flow preventers, ground hydrants, and an irrigation system.
