A Downtown recreational space that has long been neglected is slated to undergo a major facelift as Jersey City officials have fully approved work to revitalize 16th Street Park.
During their April 10 meeting, Jersey City’s Council approved a resolution that will begin construction work at 215 16th Street. Situated on the corner of 16th and Erie Street, residents could be forgiven if they didn’t know the “park” existed.
The entirety of the property is currently completely paved with asphalt, with two basketball hoops on the lot situated behind a chain-link fence. But Lyndhurst-based PMY Construction is slated to change all that via the council’s resolution, which sets aside up to $2.9 million to revitalize the parcel.
The approved plans move the basketball hoops from their current location to the eastern portion of the property with new courts and create a new playground area on the corner of the lot. The kid-focused area includes both a spray park, picnic tables and seating plus a dedicated public restroom, while new pickleball courts will be built on the lot’s south boundary.
“I am thrilled to announce that the revitalization of 16th Street Park is finally moving forward,” said Councilmember James Solomon, who represents the area. “I’ve been fighting for this park since before my first election in 2017, and while it has taken a long time, I am proud to say we will be getting a beautiful park in an area that has been waiting far too long to have one.”
Solomon noted that the future 16th Street Park will be home to the city’s first municipal pickleball courts and thanked Council President Joyce Watterman, Councilman-at-large Daniel Rivera, and Mayor Steven Fulop for their work on the project.
“The approval of the 16th Street Park revitalization project is a testament to our collective commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” Council President Joyce Watterman added. “Access to green spaces is fundamental to nurturing a healthy community and is a cause I’ve always championed. Witnessing this project come to life is gratifying. It underscores the importance of persistence and the collaborative efforts of all involved.”
16th Street Park is situated just a few blocks from one of Jersey City’s fastest-growing areas and adjacent to Holland Gardens, a public housing complex that is slated to be revamped into a massive mixed-income housing and retail facility over the coming years. Construction of the greenspace is slated to be completed by the end of this year.
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