In a letter to the editor, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (D-31), one of the prime sponsors of the Liberty State Park Conservation, Recreation, and Community Inclusion Act, explains why she feels the new law will preserve “the scenic gifts” at the location.
Dear Editor,
Liberty State Park is a national treasure, a piece of our country’s history that we must protect for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
Public, green space is integral for our communities, especially in urban areas where parks are scarce.
Liberty State Park is a celebrated environment for Jersey City and all of Hudson County where children, families, and many more can experience each day the hundreds of acres of wildlife and recreational opportunities.
To ensure this national landmark serves the growing needs of surrounding communities, I sponsored A-4264, known as the “Liberty State Park Conservation, Recreation, and Community Inclusion Act.”
The act will establish a 23-member Liberty State Park Design Task Force to assist in developing action plans to improve public use and conservation. The bill was recently signed into law by Governor Murphy.
The park was formerly opened on Flag Day, June 14, 1976, as New Jersey’s bicentennial gift to the nation. Liberty State Park is one of only two places in the world from which Ellis Island and Lady Liberty can be accessed.
A-4264 will allow us to better preserve the natural, historic, cultural, recreational, and scenic gifts Liberty State Park has to offer. We must plan for its future.
This legislation is a pathway to protecting the park we love and celebrating its rich history.
Angela McKnight
Assemblywoman, District 31
