{"id":12258,"date":"2026-01-14T17:49:27","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T22:49:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/?p=12258"},"modified":"2026-01-14T19:55:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T00:55:00","slug":"26_0003","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/26_0003\/","title":{"rendered":"Marking Liberty State Park\u2019s 50th Anniversary, DEP Breaks Ground on Priority Projects Outlined in the Park\u2019s Master Plan (26\/P003)"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong>
\nJanuary 14, 2026[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Contact:<\/strong> Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795
\nLawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
\nVincent Grassi (609) 984-1795<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

MARKING LIBERTY STATE PARK\u2019S 50th ANNIVERSARY, DEP BREAKS GROUND ON PRIORITY PROJECTS OUTLINED IN THE PARK\u2019S MASTER PLAN<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

(26\/P03) TRENTON \u2013<\/strong> Marking a milestone 50th anniversary year and the culmination of nearly five years of public engagement on revitalizing Liberty State Park, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today released a series of videos highlighting groundbreaking of projects outlined in the park\u2019s master plan.<\/p>\n

Part of the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program<\/a>, the projects include improvements to the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal Plaza, development of athletics fields and a picnic area in the Marina Green and restoration of the Historic Train Shed. Work on these projects will occur concurrently, with openings to the public expected in the second half of 2026 and into 2027.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year marks a significant milestone for Liberty State Park as it celebrates its 50th anniversary as one of the nation\u2019s premier urban parks, a green oasis in the shadow of Lady Liberty,\u201d said Commissioner LaTourette.<\/strong> \u201cThese priority projects honor the park\u2019s rich history while looking to the future, ensuring Liberty State Park continues to serve as an accessible, resilient and welcoming space for the millions of visitors and nearby communities who rely on it year-round.\u201d \"\"<\/p>\n

Nearly $54 million has been dedicated for the priority projects\u2019 construction costs through a combination of state and federal sources, including the American Rescue Plan. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is overseeing construction of the projects. AECOM Tishman was selected as construction manager through a competitive bidding process.<\/p>\n

\u201cLiberty State Park has served as a community hub and a premier tourist destination for decades, enhancing neighborhood vitality and improving quality-of-life for residents, while providing one-of-a-kind activities for visitors,\u201d said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples<\/strong>. \u201cThe NJEDA is proud to support the Murphy Administration\u2019s historic revitalization of Liberty State Park, advancing community-driven initiatives to strengthen recreational offerings and upgrade experiences for residents and visitors alike.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThese projects bring to life the Liberty State Park Master Plan and all of the comments and feedback offered by park visitors through years of public engagement,\u201d said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites.<\/strong> \u201cThe diversity of work to create playing fields, improve gathering spaces and open the long-fenced-off train shed is a welcoming way to recognize Liberty State Parks 50th anniversary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStarting construction on these projects in 2026 is a fitting way to begin Liberty State Park\u2019s 50th anniversary year,\u201d said Maggie McCann, Administrator for Urban State Parks & Initiatives.<\/strong> \u201cThese investments are designed to create inclusive, functional, and climate-resilient spaces that expand access to recreation, preserve history, and provide much-needed shade and green infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Projects in Detail<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal Plazaq<\/u><\/p>\n

The existing plaza at the end of Audrey Zapp Drive, which connects the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal Building and the Empty Sky Memorial<\/a> to the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, will be revitalized to improve accessibility and create a more welcoming space for visitors in one of the park\u2019s most heavily used areas. A clearly defined pathway to the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal will provide access to visitor information, programming, restrooms, and ferry tickets to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.<\/p>\n

Watch a <\/strong>video<\/a><\/strong> showcasing the improvements to the Terminal Plaza featuring Commissioner LaTourette.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Marina Green<\/u><\/p>\n

Spanning eight acres, the Marina Green lawn will be transformed into athletic fields and flexible use lawn space, creating opportunities for sports games, informal play, performances, and events. The improvements will enhance stormwater absorption into the ground to address drainage issues. Re-grading the lawn and the addition of green infrastructure are also planned.\u00a0 \"\"<\/p>\n

A tree-shaded promenade walkway, multi-age play area, shade pavilion and picnic grove will enhance the site\u2019s functionality and accessibility, accommodating a broad range of uses. Additionally, new shade tree groves and a linear plaza will provide relief from the sun and better connect the area with the Morris Canal and the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.<\/p>\n

Watch a <\/strong>video<\/a><\/strong> featuring Commissioner LaTourette highlighting plans for the Marina Green.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Historic Train Shed<\/u><\/p>\n

Restoration of the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Train Shed will create flexible gathering and event space, and areas for future interpretive programming. Since the park\u2019s opening in 1976, the train shed has been off-limits to visitors beyond the concourse connecting the shed to the Terminal Building. The restoration will occur in phases, with the initial phase focusing on the east side of the shed that connects to the concourse and Terminal Building.<\/p>\n

Underground structural testing has already begun and will inform the initial steps of restoration. A video explaining this work can be <\/strong>viewed here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Liberty State Park Revitalization Program Background <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Transforming an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland, Liberty State Park opened in 1976 as New Jersey\u2019s bicentennial \u201cgift to the nation.\u201d Since its opening, it has been in an ongoing state of development and revitalization.<\/p>\n

The Murphy Administration has prioritized the advancement of Liberty State Park\u2019s revitalization, with public interest and engagement at the center of the process, formally launching the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program to explore ways the park can better meet the needs of New Jersey residents and its millions of visitors from across the globe.<\/p>\n

Public engagement on the revitalization of Liberty State Park began in October 2020 through a series of virtual meetings focused on the cleanup of the park\u2019s interior. These efforts were expanded over several years to include five open house-style events where the public was able to view plans and ask questions of the development team. For more information and updates on the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program, visit dep.nj.gov\/revitalizelsp<\/a>.<\/p>\n

DEP Photos\/Top: Rendering of project to revitalize Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal Plaza; Bottom: Rendering of Marina Green project\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

###[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 14, 2026[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””] Contact: Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795 Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795 Vincent Grassi (609) 984-1795 [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] MARKING LIBERTY STATE PARK\u2019S 50th ANNIVERSARY, DEP BREAKS GROUND ON PRIORITY PROJECTS OUTLINED IN THE PARK\u2019S MASTER PLAN \u00a0 (26\/P03) TRENTON \u2013 Marking a milestone 50th anniversary year and the culmination […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":511,"featured_media":12261,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"dep-single.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[206],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-206"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/511"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12258"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12258\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12267,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12258\/revisions\/12267"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}