Officials from the Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) and Hudson County held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the site of the newly completed Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus on Dec. 20.
The new park was designed by HCST and Neglia Engineering Associates who began the project last winter. The rejuvenation of the approximately three-acre park cost $1.3 million and includes basketball courts, dual tennis and pickleball courts, an outdoor gym and fitness area, passive park path, and an additional open lawn area. It also offers parking for the public, and serves as a student pick-up and drop-off area.
The ribbon cutting celebrated the new park, which was built through a close collaboration between the county, the town of Secaucus, and the school district. Funds for the additions and upgrades were procured through grants. Laurel Hill Park is again open for use by students as well as the public.
The ceremony was attended by HCST Board President and Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise’s Chief of Staff Craig Guy, Hudson County Board of Commissioners, Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli, HCST Board of Education members, along with HCST Superintendent Amy Lin-Rodriguez, as well as other school, local and county officials.
“We are so excited to see this project come to fruition,” said DeGise. “Laurel Hill Park was a wonderful collaboration between the County, Mayor Gonnelli, the town of Secaucus, and the District and will be a great addition to the HCST and wider Secaucus community.”
“Laurel Hill Park is such an exciting development on the High Tech High School campus,” said Lin-Rodriguez. “It will serve as a valuable resource for students, as well as being open to the public after school hours. We were able to open the park less than a year after the project began, and are so grateful to Hudson County and everyone involved for their dedication and commitment to getting this done.”
“Laurel Hill Park is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in its conception and development,” said Gonnelli. “The town is committed to serving its residents, and this park will make a concrete impact on the quality of life for HCST students and all of Secaucus.”
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