With New Jersey stuck in Phase 2 of reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic due to an increased rate of transmission, municipal parks have been reopening across the state.
North Bergen reopened municipal parks on July 2 and opened a new park on July 10 on Paterson Plank Road. Now, after renovations, it has reopened another park.
Mayor Nicholas Sacco cut the ribbon on July 29, officially reopening Policemen’s Park at 1455 Union Turnpike and Grand Avenue.
Revitalizing the area
The park got a complete face lift, with a new water spray area, toddler swings, a playground with rubberized surfaces for two- to five-year-olds, a playhouse and play set with slides, a brand-new basketball court, dog run, benches, and other amenities.
The new additions don’t stop there. Future plans call for a new gazebo and decorative lighting. The completely redesigned park is intended to help revitalize this area of town.
The cost of the project was $1.2 million, including $500,000 from Hudson County Open Space grants. Construction and the reopening were delayed due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sacco was joined at the ribbon cutting by Commissioners Hugo Cabrera, Julio Marenco, and Allen Pascual, Township Administrator Chris Pianese, Police Chief Peter Fasilis, local community representatives John Bender and Wanda Ayala, and many other officials and residents.
Children dashed excitedly through the water spray and enjoyed the new equipment.
The township has allocated more than $5 million toward renovating local parks to benefit and enhance the community, with the majority of the funding coming from state and federal grants.
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