Hoboken officials unveiled an expanded Southwest Resiliency Park on Thursday that doubles the size of the original park, which opened in 2017.
The 1-acre addition transformed an underutilized parking lot into a recreational area featuring six pickleball courts, a full basketball court, playground, splash pad, and other amenities, according to a statement released by the city.
The design incorporates community input gathered through public engagement sessions and surveys.
The park also serves as a component of Hoboken’s flood control infrastructure, officials said.
The expansion can capture and detain 260,000 gallons of stormwater through features like permeable pavers, bioswales, and rain gardens.
Combined with the original park space, the facility can now manage up to 460,000 gallons of stormwater during severe weather events.
“In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Hoboken made a commitment to rebuild stronger, smarter, and more resilient,” Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement. “The expansion of Southwest Resiliency Park is a major step forward in fulfilling that promise.”
The expansion project, completed on the site formerly known as Block 10, was acquired by the city in April 2021 through an agreement with Academy Bus.
Funding came from multiple sources including the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund, Green Acres Program, and over $6.24 million in federal grants.
The park has become a community hub, hosting regular events including a weekly farmers market during summer and early fall, fitness classes, concerts, and holiday celebrations.
The surrounding neighborhood has seen additional development including new housing at 38 Jackson St., which will include affordable units and space for a school and grocery store.
Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
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