Gov. Phil Murphy (D) came to West Hudson this morning to join dignitaries in cutting the ribbon on the East Newark Riverfront Park, a five-acre green space developed on a former industrial site along the Passaic River.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Ensuring that every New Jersey resident has access to safe, welcoming green space is a priority for our administration,” Murphy said in a statement.
“Green public spaces not only restore and enhance vital natural areas, but they also strengthen community connections and reflect our collective commitment to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the state.”
Designed to support recreation, environmental education, and ecological restoration, the park features a 1,000-foot boardwalk, an urban amphitheater, and open space for walking, gathering and hands-on learning.
The project was led by BASF in coordination with federal and local partners – including the U.S. Department of Interior, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Borough of East Newark – with support from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
“The opening of the East Newark Riverfront Park represents the best of what public-private collaboration can achieve,” BASF Corporation and CEO Heath Remley said in a statement.
“This transformation from a legacy industrial site into a vibrant, sustainable public space underscores BASF’s commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and long-term impact. We are proud to contribute to a project that enhances quality of life, supports biodiversity and serves as a model for urban restoration.”
Constructed with sustainability at its core, the park aligns with 15 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as incorporating eco-friendly materials, native landscaping and design elements that promote biodiversity and environmental resilience.
“Today’s opening of the park showcases what is possible when we put resilience, collaboration, and sustainability at the forefront,” noted U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8), who was also in attendance.
“Prioritizing green spaces throughout our communities benefits all of us — and I’m grateful to Mayor Grilo and her team for making this possible. Because of their work, this once underutilized space will now serve as a place for friends and neighbors to gather for years to come.”
In addition to the boardwalk and outdoor amphitheater, the new park includes water fountains, restrooms, picnic tables, a playground, a great lawn and a large shade structure for the community to enjoy.
To that end, local officials noted the project’s long-term impact on quality of life, environmental stewardship and urban revitalization.
“Today marks a milestone for our community – a day when vision, hard work, and collaboration have come together to create something truly special,” excaimed East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo.
“This park is not just a space; it’s a testament to the strength and unity of our residents and partners. We have built something that will benefit generations to come, and I am incredibly proud to be part of this journey.”
 came to West Hudson this morning to join dignitaries in cutting the ribbon on the East Newark Riverfront Park.){kind=link}
East Newark is a borough that is 1/8 of a square mile, with a population of 2400 people. Do we really need 10 people to cut a ribbon? While I am all in favor of open space and green initiatives, let’s think about how much the public pays for this photo op. Taxes in Hudson County and the rest of NJ are about to go up again – and these types of events are part of the reason.
Hudson County is something like 20 miles long and 15 miles wide – divide it into 5 municipalities and call it a day.