The City of Hoboken has released preliminary concept designs for the renovation of Tom Olivieri Park, a 5,000-square-foot space located at 1221 Willow Avenue in northwest Hoboken. The proposed plans include new inclusive playground equipment, a redesigned spray park, a public restroom, upgraded landscaping, improved lighting, updated furnishings, and design features honoring Puerto Rican heritage.
The park was renamed in 2019 by the Hoboken City Council to honor Teofilo “Tom” Olivieri, a prominent tenants’ rights activist. Previously known as Legion Park, the park includes a playground, a water spray area, mature trees, and two murals approved by the Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee. One mural, “Flight,” was created by Rorshach, and another was painted by Tom Olivieri’s son, Teofilo Olivieri, with Ray Guzman and members of the community – both murals will remain in the renovated park.
- Hoboken released preliminary designs for Tom Olivieri Park, including an inclusive playground, spray area, public restroom, and cultural elements honoring Puerto Rican heritage.
- Residents are invited to give feedback through an online survey.
- The project is backed by $750,000 from the NJDEP and is recommended for another $750,000 from Hudson County, with additional safety improvements on Willow Avenue funded by $1.39 million in federal and state grants.
Community Input Shapes Preliminary Concept
The City is gathering public feedback through an online survey available at https://arcg.is/qLLD11. The survey opened on Monday, June 9, and the results from this survey will be used to inform the final concept design.
The preliminary concept was developed by Arterial, the City’s design consultant, using input from nearly 400 residents who responded to a previous survey conducted in January 2025. The updated design was presented at a public meeting held on Thursday, June 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Wallace Elementary School cafeteria at 1100 Willow Avenue. The meeting also covered proposed safety upgrades for the surrounding Willow Avenue corridor.
Design Details Include Accessibility and Cultural Elements
The proposed playground includes two connected play structures with a flat, accessible surface. The design allows children of all ages and abilities to use the space safely.
The spray area will be renovated with modern geometric spray features. The design aims to improve the overall water play experience.
A Portland Loo public restroom is included in the plan, providing year-round public access in a durable, low-maintenance structure.
New landscaping and paving will be added throughout the park. The concept preserves the existing mature tree canopy to provide natural shade. Additional seating and updated furnishings will accommodate caregivers and visitors.
The park’s color schemes and artistic design features reflect Puerto Rican heritage, in tribute to the legacy of Tom Olivieri. Arterial selected these cultural elements specifically for the project.
Project Receives State and County Support
The Tom Olivieri Park Improvement Project has received $750,000 from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). It is also recommended to receive another $750,000 from the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy confirmed his support for the project and the county’s larger commitment to improving parks across all 12 municipalities. He stated that he had recommended nearly $12 million through the trust fund for park improvements, including this project in Hoboken.
Safety Upgrades Planned for Adjacent Willow Avenue
The City of Hoboken and Hudson County are also working on proposed Vision Zero safety improvements along Willow Avenue from 11th to 16th Streets. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss these plans and gather community input.
The improvements are targeted at a high-crash corridor identified in Hoboken’s Vision Zero data. Between 2014 and 2018, this corridor accounted for 40 percent of traffic-related injuries and fatalities citywide. Between 2019 and 2021, there were 31 injury-causing crashes along this segment of Willow Avenue, including injuries to seven pedestrians and four bicyclists.
Proposed safety measures include curb extensions, high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, rapid flashing beacons, leading pedestrian intervals at signalized intersections, speed radar feedback signs, and protected bike lanes.
Funding for the Willow Avenue safety project includes $1.39 million in grants from the Federal Highway Administration and the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
The corridor is used by seniors at Fox Hill Gardens, students at Wallace Elementary School, families at Tom Olivieri Park, and patrons of nearby businesses. It also serves as a route for commuters from Weehawken and Union City traveling to the Lincoln Tunnel. The area includes four NJ TRANSIT bus stops and a Citi Bike station that has supported 41,000 trips since it was installed in 2021.
