Hoboken’s Maritime Park got a boost from the State of New Jersey with a $1 million allocation from the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget. The funding was the result of cooperative efforts between Assemblyman John Allen, Mayor Ravi Bhalla and various city officials. Allen applied for the capital funding as a discretionary budget request.
“This funding is a tremendous boost for our efforts to create a world-class waterfront park that honors Hoboken’s maritime heritage while expanding access to natural open space for our residents,” noted Hoboken Mayor Bhalla. “I thank Assemblyman John Allen and the Murphy administration for recognizing the importance of this investment in Hoboken’s future.”
“Once completed, Maritime Park will be an exceptional and resilient destination on our Hoboken waterfront — a space our community and visitors alike can enjoy year-round,” added Assemblyman John Allen. “I’m grateful to the Speaker’s Office for supporting my budget request and helping secure $1 million toward making this vision a reality.”
Two $250,000 grants from the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund will add to the funding, while Hoboken’s administration will request City Council approval for a bond, paid for by Hoboken’s Open Space Trust Fund. The city is also investigating other grants and external funding to pay for construction costs.
“Through Hudson County’s Open Space Trust Fund, I worked with the Board of Commissioners and Board Chairman Anthony Romano in awarding $250,000 to help fund the development of Maritime Park,” commented Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “I am committed to working with our partners in city and state government to continue to provide funding for upgrades to our parks and green spaces in Hoboken and throughout Hudson County.”
Situated on Hoboken’s waterfront on Sinatra Drive, Maritime Park will honor Hoboken’s historic relationship to the Hudson River. The site of the park once housed Union Dry Dock. After an extended legal and financial battle with NY Waterway, Hoboken used eminent domain to acquire the land.
The 8.7-acre park will connect to the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and provide residents with a large lawn area and open space landscaped with native plants. The park’s goal is to provide educational exhibits on Hoboken’s maritime history and the local ecosystem.
The public plaza will be inspired by the Palisades, and a community building will house these exhibit spaces as well as meeting rooms. The park will expand the beach at Maxwell Place Park and offer more opportunities for paddle boats and kayaks. The old skatepark will be replaced with a bigger, better area for skateboarders. Of course, there will be a new playground and family-friendly areas.
Construction of Maritime Park is scheduled to begin by the end of 2025.
