Throughout the 2023 summer months, the Hoboken Maritime Park Project design team has worked on further developing their final concept design following the public’s recent feedback and engagement. Toward the end of July, an online survey was conducted after the presentation of three approaches for the concept design: the Civic Pier Approach, the Habitat Terraces Approach, and the Waterfront Promenade Approach. Despite there being multiple choices presented to the public, the decision between the final three signifies a great step closer to introducing a park that will benefit Hoboken’s community.
Hoboken’s Maritime Park is intended to offer recreation to all kinds of people, while connecting them to the scenery of the Hudson River. Hoboken’s neighborhood has recently grown in population as the number of children in the city’s school system has increased. Additionally, the population’s age range mostly falls between 20 and 40 years of age. Once the park is constructed, you will likely find diverse families and Stevens students walking around. The Maritime Park Project is definitely something to look forward to for nearby residents and tourists alike.
The site of the project had been previously used as a recreational waterfront throughout the mid-1800s until it was turned into an industrial space in the mid-1900s. Since the 90s, the City of Hoboken has looked towards returning the site to its previous state as a recreational space. Although the Maritime Park would not be the only public area along the Hudson River, it is an opportunity to elicit more community engagement. With a land area of 4.5 acres and a water area of 4.2 acres, the project site is currently occupied by Castle Point Skatepark, a plate shop, and an electrical power building. Additionally, three piers extend out to the Hudson River. Further progression of the Maritime Park Project signifies that these establishments are subject to change.
Senior Architect and Project Manager Aaron Campbell has led the project’s design team with prospects to “fulfill the city of Hoboken’s ambitions of providing a world-class park to this part of the Hudson River shoreline.” Community meetings have been held throughout the park’s concept design stages. As a result, there is anticipation for amenities that will be compatible with the urban setting. The senior architect also highlights that the expectation is to design and construct “a public park that reflects the desires of the community[,] a responsive park that is in harmony with its local environment[,] and a resilient park that is built to last.”
While the maritime park’s final concept is in development, locals can begin to plan their visiting route. NJ Transit Bus lines 22, 68, 89, and 126 are just around a 20 minute walk from the park. There are also nine rail lines that are about the same walking distance. Along Hoboken’s Waterfront Walkway there is a protected bikeline that reaches the site from Hoboken Terminal. Lastly, visitor parking is available up to four hours by the walkway on Frank Sinatra Drive.
While Hoboken’s Maritime Park improves the city by contributing to urban development, more public projects can be expected. Hoboken strives to be a model for how urban areas can include multiple kinds of environments.
