[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2054″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_raw_html css=””]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjYXJvdXNlbC1jYXB0aW9uJTIwZC1tZC1ibG9jayUyMGQtc20tYmxvY2slMjIlM0UlMEElMDklM0NoMSUzRUxpYmVydHklMjBTdGF0ZSUyMFBhcmslMjBNYXN0ZXIlMjBQbGFuJTIwJTIwJTNDJTJGaDElM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][breadcrumb-shortcode][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]

Introducing the Liberty State Park Master Plan

A commitment that directs improvements to Liberty State Park over the next 10 years and beyond.  

The Master Plan touches every aspect of the park, from restoring natural habitats that enhance resilience to flooding and climate change, to developing regulation athletic fields, to rehabilitating historic structures like the iconic Central Railroad of New Jersey Train Shed.  

The plan also calls for the creation of a community center, along with sports courts and athletic fields to meet critical active recreation needs in Liberty State Park’s host community of Jersey City and more broadly throughout Hudson County, while expanding access to nature by reimagining key areas of the park, including the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Richard J. Sullivan Natural Area, the jetties, the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal Plaza, park entrances and more!  

This vision is the result of years of community engagement through interactive open houses, public meetings, and surveys, to ensure that all voices are heard as we build a future at Liberty State Park that best meets the diverse needs of parkgoers and our host community.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/ZOWeVfBywgY” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/5″][info-box-shortcode imageclass=”sg-popup-id-2101″ title=”Explore the Master Plan” buttonclassinput=”sg-popup-id-2101″ buttonlink=”#2101″ bgimg=”2068″][/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/5″][info-box-shortcode imageclass=”sg-popup-id-2110″ title=”Phased Development Strategy” buttonclassinput=”sg-popup-id-2110″ buttonlink=”#2110″ bgimg=”2073″][/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/5″][info-box-shortcode title=”Improvement Highlights” buttonlink=”#improvementhighlights” bgimg=”2118″][/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/5″][info-box-shortcode title=”Illustrative Site Plan” buttonlink=”#illustrativesiteplan” bgimg=”2128″][/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/5″][info-box-shortcode title=”Public Engagement” buttonlink=”#publicengagement” bgimg=”2117″][/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” el_id=”improvementhighlights”][vc_column][vc_separator border_width=”4″ css=””][vc_single_image image=”2046″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_raw_html css=””]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjYXJvdXNlbC1jYXB0aW9uJTIwZC1tZC1ibG9jayUyMGQtc20tYmxvY2slMjIlM0UlMEElMDklM0NoMSUzRU1hcmluYSUyMEdyZWVuJTIwJTNDJTJGaDElM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Spanning 8 acres, the Marina Green is presently an open lawn with poor drainage, leading to ponding and reducing the field’s usability. The proposed improvements will address these drainage issues by grading with amended soil layers, to create a multipurpose athletic field space composed of reinforced natural turf, surrounded by green infrastructure.

A tree-shaded promenade walkway, a multi-age play area, a shade pavilion and a picnic grove will enhance the site’s functionality and accessibility, accommodating a broad range of uses. This new space will remain as a flexible lawn, creating opportunities for informal play, performances, and events. New shade tree groves on the east and west ends will provide relief from the sun and enhance the lawn’s relationship with Liberty Landing Marina and Morris Canal. A linear plaza along the north edge will strengthen the marina connection.

One of the key enhancements is the introduction of pedestrian paths that will better connect Marina Green to the south side of Audrey Zapp Drive and at North Cove midpoint to additional waterfront programs and amenities. These paths will facilitate easy movement between different sections of the park, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse offerings of the northern area of the park.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2090″ img_size=”Full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2080″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2091″ img_size=”Full” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column][vc_separator border_width=”4″ css=””][vc_single_image image=”2045″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_raw_html css=””]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjYXJvdXNlbC1jYXB0aW9uJTIwZC1tZC1ibG9jayUyMGQtc20tYmxvY2slMjIlM0UlMEElMDklM0NoMSUzRUhpc3RvcmljJTIwVHJhaW4lMjBTaGVkJTIwJTNDJTJGaDElM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]The restoration of the Historic Train Shed adjacent to the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal Building will be a transformational project, providing unprecedented access to visitors and the host community for a variety of gathering, arts, cultural, and educational uses.

Through a multi-phased approach to this superstructure, Liberty State Park will unlock approximately 65,000 square feet of flexible programming space for the first time. The initial phase will focus on creating a gathering space, providing accommodations for programs and events, movable seating, market kiosks, historic exhibits and concessions. The project features historic exhibits related to the history of immigration, Ellis Island, the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and the Communipaw Cove.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2098″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2079″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2097″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column][vc_separator border_width=”4″ css=””][vc_single_image image=”2044″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_raw_html css=””]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjYXJvdXNlbC1jYXB0aW9uJTIwZC1tZC1ibG9jayUyMGQtc20tYmxvY2slMjIlM0UlMEElMDklM0NoMSUzRUF0aGxldGljcyUyMEh1YiUyMCUyMCUzQyUyRmgxJTNFJTBBJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]The Athletics Hub at Liberty State Park is set to become a premier destination for active recreation, featuring soccer f ields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, track & field, a skate park, baseball field, football field, and tennis/racquet sports. This state-of-the-art facility will support a wide range of athletic and recreational activities, providing park users and visitors with numerous opportunities to engage in sports and enjoy the outdoors.

The Athletics Hub will feature competition-ready athletic fields to support soccer, cricket, baseball, and other field sports. It will also include a gathering plaza, a shared-use trail, and opportunities for court-based sports. The multiuse pavilion and play areas will make the Hub a versatile and community-friendly space for all ages.

Organized around the Athletics Hub, court and wheel programs will expand capacity for other types of recreation, including basketball, pickleball, tennis, fitness pods, a pump track, and a skate park, all connected by an accessible shared-use trail.

Connecting the Athletics Hub to the more passive interior of the park is a tree canopy with a meandering trail, punctuated by nature play zones and court sports surrounded by nature. This design encourages movement and exploration, allowing visitors to discover the park’s natural environment and ecosystems in new and exciting ways.

A new roadway connecting into Phillip Street will provide convenient access for visitors to the Southern Athletics Hub, making it easy to pick up and drop off children for sports games. The integration of these spaces into the park’s natural surroundings will create unique opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Preliminary efforts in the Athletics Hub include site cleanup, grading, and restoration efforts within the park’s interior, ensuring the community will have the opportunity to explore a new area of the park with active and passive recreation programmatic elements in the near-term. To connect the multipurpose fields, nature-based playground, and gathering plazas, a shared-use trail will be implemented, creating immersive views and opportunities for walking, biking, running, and passive recreation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2124″ img_size=”Full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2078″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2125″ img_size=”Full” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_separator border_width=”4″ css=””][vc_single_image image=”2042″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_raw_html css=””]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjYXJvdXNlbC1jYXB0aW9uJTIwZC1tZC1ibG9jayUyMGQtc20tYmxvY2slMjIlM0UlMEElMDklM0NoMSUzRUNvbW11bml0eSUyMENlbnRlciUyMCUyMCUzQyUyRmgxJTNFJTBBJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]The future Community Center at Liberty State Park will be a key element in the implementation of community-based services for local and regional visitors. Located on the corner of Johnston Avenue and Jersey Avenue, this new facility will act as a hub for social, cultural, and recreational activities, fostering a sense of community through spaces for visitors to participate in various programs. The Center’s diverse programs will encourage physical activity, creativity, and personal development, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

This community amenity will serve as a venue for cultural and educational events, hosting performances, exhibitions, and lectures, providing opportunities for learning and enrichment. To further enhance the gateway to Liberty State Park, a reimaged intersection at Audrey Zapp Drive will be implemented through a new roundabout, creating a safe and accessible experience for those visiting the park from the surrounding neighborhoods or the future community center. This vision for a new northern gateway will be transformative for the park – anchoring the Audrey Zapp Drive intersection as primary entrance to the park with inviting and inspiring amenities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2094″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2076″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2095″ img_size=”Full” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”illustrativesiteplan”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_separator border_width=”4″ css=””][vc_column_text css=””]

Illustrative Site Plan

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Public Engagement

From the community-based action of the 1950s-1970s that laid the foundation for Liberty State Park, to the torrent of public comments throughout the 2020-2025 planning process, open and continuous public participation has been and must remain a cornerstone of the park’s revitalization. Frequent and meaningful public engagement is fundamental to serving the diverse needs and interests of park visitors and the host community.

Since 2020, the community engagement process has engaged park visitors, stakeholders and residents of the host community in Jersey City and Hudson County through an expansive public outreach process focused on both inperson and online engagement opportunities.

The community engagement process invited park users, neighbors, stakeholders and visitors to be a part of the planning process, mobilizing community input to envision the future and legacy of Liberty State Park. In 2020 and 2021, DEP held multiple online sessions to engage the public on various revitalization topics. From May 2023 through January 2025, six open house-style events provided the public with an opportunity to provide feedback, view planning and design updates, and engage in dialogue with DEP and design teams to ask questions and share their concerns, ideas and visions for the park. Each open house event also allowed people the ability to view the planning and design updates and provide comments online.

Both open house and virtual engagement opportunities encouraged participants to consider their experiences in Liberty State Park. Open house events activated spaces within and around the park, including the Historic Train Shed’s concourse, the Terminal’s Blue Comet auditorium and waiting room and the Liberty Science Center.

Attendees learned about the Revitalization Program, explored the project’s progress, and took part in activities designed to gather insights from their park experiences.

In August 2021, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette issued DEP Administrative Order 2021-18, establishing the advisory Liberty State Park Design Task Force. This task force consisted of 17 unpaid, volunteer members who advised DEP on park planning decisions. These volunteer members consisted of public members, elected officials and public servants from local (Jersey City) and regional (Hudson County) governments, leaders from a cross-section of community-based organizations, and representatives from multiple Liberty State Park advocacy organizations with diverse perspectives on the park’s revitalization.

The principal role of the Design Task Force was to advise and assist DEP in incorporating public feedback to ensure the proposed park improvements meet the diverse needs of the community. In July 2022, the Legislature passed P.L. 2022, c. 45, which recognized the existing advisory Task Force and expanded its membership.

The Design Task Force continued to provide advice to DEP, offering thorough feedback and recommendations that informed the Revitalization Program efforts. From September 2021 to May 2024, the Design Task Force met with the Department of Environmental Protection and the design teams, ultimately identifying key potential programmatic opportunities for the vision of Liberty State Park such as outdoor recreation areas, an athletics hub and the rehabilitation of the Central Railroad of New Jersey’s Historic Train Shed.

Public engagement for the Revitalization Program continued into January 2025, focusing on open house-style events and online engagement to solicit feedback on key planning and design updates. The input received as part of this process directly informed the development of the Master Plan, with many of the strategies and priorities outlined directly resulting from community and stakeholder visions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”2132″ img_size=”Full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”2131″ img_size=”Full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”2133″ img_size=”Full” css=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”2130″ img_size=”Full” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]