CONTACT: Karina Diaz, Hudson County Executive’s Office
PHONE: 201-795-6200
HUDSON COUNTY EXECUTIVE CRAIG GUY CELEBRATES
20-YEAR ANNIVERSAY OF COUNTY’S OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND;
ANNOUNCES $11.7 MILLION IN OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND AWARDS
THROUGHOUT HUDSON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES
JERSEY CITY, NJ — Today, Hudson County Executive Guy celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the Hudson County Open Space, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund – a program that during its two decade life has appropriated a total of $112,203,252; created over 20 parks; established, upgraded, or improved 42 recreation facilities; developed or rehabilitated 14 spray parks and over 50 playgrounds; and preserved 19 historic sites throughout all 12 municipalities in the County.
The County Executive also announced he and the Open Space Advisory Board plan to award $11.7 million in funding for 2025. These awards will come up for a vote before the Board of County Commissioners on August 14, 2025.
The County Executive was joined at the press conference by Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Anthony Romano, and Kearny School District Superintendent Flor Encarnacao.
“My administration is determined to continue making Hudson County the best place to live, work, raise a family. This is why in 2024 I championed the Open Space levy to return to a full penny with the agreement of the County’s local elected leaders and the Board of County Commissioners – making 2025 the largest funding cycle since the Open Space Trust Fund’s inception,” said County Executive Craig Guy. “As the County celebrates this milestone achievement of 20 years, we reflect on why the Open Space Trust Fund was created – to upgrade, repair and create open spaces and parks in all 12 municipalities within the County. From new accessible parks and playgrounds to splash pads and athletic fields, the rust Fund has been a resource to ensure these community spaces are top notch and safe for all residents.”
“On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, I commend the legacy of the Open Space, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund. For 20 years, the County’s Open Space Trust Fund has given new life to parks and playgrounds across all 12 of our municipalities, bringing joy and recreation to thousands of residents daily. For two decades, this program has been improving the communities we proudly represent, and I look forward to supporting future Open Space projects,” said Chairman of the Hudson County Board of Commissioners, Anthony L. Romano (District 5).
“I proudly represent residents throughout my district who play at the Brighton Avenue Playground, Harvey Field, and the Kearny Roller Hockey Rink. These wonderful parks personify the mission of the Open Space, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund. This is what the program is all about – young people and adults, including those with accessibility problems, spending more time outdoors and doing so with safe equipment and fields,” said Commissioner Albert Cifelli (District 9).
“Kearny is immensely proud to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Hudson County’s Open Space Trust Fund here at the Kearny Crew House – home to many rowers including Kearny’s Boys and Girls Crew team. We are all excited to see the boat house transform into a state-of-the-art facility that will help our teams take it to the next level, thanks to the Open Space Trust Fund and the State of NJ Green Acres Program,” said Mayor of Kearny, Carol Jean Doyle.
“Many students of all ages utilize the parks and athletic fields the Open Space Trust Fund has provided throughout Kearny. As Superintendent of Kearny’s school district, I understand the critical importance of recreation and open space in a child’s development. Playing in safe and upgraded playgrounds and parks enable children to learn to share and expand their imagination while learning crucial motor, creative and problem-solving skills,” said Kearny School District Superintendent, Flora Encarnacao.
In 2003, then-Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, with subsequent approval by the County Commissioners created the Hudson County Open Space, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund, sanctioned under NJSA 40:12. That same year, Hudson County voters approved the creation of the Open Space Trust Fund and the first funding cycle was awarded in October of 2005.
The following projects are the recommended 2025 awardees of the Open Space, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund:
- Bayonne: 16th Street Miniature Golf Course Improvements
- Bayonne: Improvements to W. 24th Street Playground
- East Newark: Veterans Playground & Water Park
- Harrison: Sixth Street Courts/Firemen’s Memorial Playground
- Hoboken: Skate Park and Waterfront Walkway Upgrades Project
- Hoboken: Tom Olivieri Park Improvement Project
- Jersey City Board of Education: Caven Point Turf Field Replacement
- Jersey City Redevelopment Agency: Bayfront Promenade Park Phase II
- Jersey City: Arlington Park Improvements Project
- Kearny: Kearny Crew House Improvement Project
- North Bergen: Stan Newman Field Improvements Project
- Secaucus: Buchmuller Park Playground Resurfacing Project
- Secaucus: Shetik Field Pickleball Court Construction Project
- Union City: Ellsworth Park Improvements
- Union City: Peru Park Improvements, Phase 2
- Weehawken: Gregory Park Renovations
- West New York: Fillmore Park Improvement Project Phase II
- West New York: St. Mary’s Park Improvement Project
- Save Ellis Island, Inc.: Preservation Ellis Island Hospitals
- Hudson County Parks: Lincoln Park Track Upgrades and Rehabilitation
- Hudson County Parks: Rehabilitation to Spray Park in Stephen R. Gregg
- Hudson County Parks: Laurel Hill Pickleball Courts and Walkway
For photos of the press conference, click here.
For video of the press conference, please visit HudCoTV on YouTube.
For the story map of the Open Space projects and the Board’s 2025 Recommendations Report, click here.
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