On Tuesday, the City of Hoboken announced that $1 million has been allocated in New Jersey’s Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget to support the development of Maritime Park. The funding was confirmed by Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, who credited Assemblyman John Allen and the Murphy administration for including the allocation.
The $1 million state contribution will go toward the transformation of the former Union Dry Dock site into Maritime Park, which will be located along Hoboken’s northern waterfront. The site spans 8.7 acres and is intended to become a public space that incorporates elements tied to Hoboken’s maritime heritage and waterfront identity.
Assemblyman John Allen, who did not run for re-election, applied for capital funding for Maritime Park as one of his discretionary budget requests for the fiscal year. He stated that the park would become a year-round public destination and acknowledged the support of the Speaker’s Office in securing the $1 million budget item.
- Hoboken has secured $1 million in New Jersey Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget funding for the development of Maritime Park, a waterfront public space located at the former Union Dry Dock site.
- Hudson County contributed an additional $500,000 through two $250,000 grants from the Open Space Trust Fund, coordinated by Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Commissioner Anthony L. Romano.
- The 8.7-acre Maritime Park will include a skatepark, beach access, bike paths, a public plaza, educational exhibits, and a living shoreline, with construction scheduled to begin by the end of this year.
Hudson County Contributes $500,000 Through Open Space Trust Fund
In addition to the state funding, Maritime Park will receive $500,000 in support from Hudson County’s Open Space Trust Fund. This amount includes two $250,000 grants. Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Hudson County Commissioner Anthony L. Romano coordinated to secure this funding.
Executive Guy stated that he worked with the Hudson County Board of Commissioners and Board Chairman Romano to provide the funds. He also confirmed that he intends to continue working with municipal and state partners to support upgrades to parks and green spaces in Hoboken and across Hudson County.
Commissioner Romano said that Maritime Park will include a new skatepark and a waterfront waterway that will allow residents to view Manhattan. He added that he was proud to work with Executive Guy on awarding the county funding and that he will continue efforts to enhance city and county parks in Hoboken and Hudson County.
Specific Features Planned for Maritime Park
According to the City of Hoboken, Maritime Park will include multiple amenities and facilities that reflect its waterfront location and historical context. The following features are planned for the 8.7-acre site:
- A resilient green open space featuring native plantings
- A waterfront walkway and bike paths that connect to the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
- Interactive educational exhibits focusing on maritime history and the local ecosystem
- A public plaza designed with inspiration from the Palisades
- A community building that includes space for meetings and exhibits
- An expanded beach that can be used by paddle boats and other users
- An accessible living shoreline composed of natural marshes and tide pools, designed to support natural habitat restoration and offer educational opportunities
- A large flexible lawn
- A skatepark that incorporates both street-style and transition/bowl-style features
- Playgrounds and family-friendly areas constructed using natural materials and structures
An aerial rendering of Maritime Park also includes a Maritime Pier and additional educational exhibits related to Hoboken’s maritime history.
Construction Timeline and Additional Funding Plans
Construction of Maritime Park is scheduled to begin by the end of the current year. In addition to the $1 million state allocation and $500,000 from Hudson County’s Open Space Trust Fund, the City of Hoboken intends to pursue further funding.
The Bhalla administration plans to seek City Council approval for a bond to support the cost of construction. This bond would be financed through Hoboken’s Open Space Trust Fund. Other grants and external funding opportunities will also be explored to help fund the completion of the project.
Additional details and updates about Maritime Park can be found on the City of Hoboken’s official website at hobokennj.gov/maritimepark.
