New Half-Acre Park Replaces Paved Lot On Hoboken/Jersey City Border

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A new park has replaced a paved lot in an area of Jersey City near the Hoboken border.

The industrial area on both sides of the border has seen rapid residential development in recent years. Now there's a new place for the residents to rest and play.

The $2.7 million park, known as 16th Street Park, is located at 16th and Erie streets.

Mayor Steven Fulop joined City Council members, the Department of Infrastructure, local residents, and community leaders to cut the ribbon last week.

The park "is designed to serve residents of all ages with amenities that encourage active lifestyles, community gatherings, and year-round recreation," said the city in a release.

“Neighborhood parks are the backbone of strong communities,” said Fulop.

The lot previously contained basketball nets, but now will contain that and more.

Highlights of the new public park include:

• Multi-use court for basketball, soccer, hockey, and more.
• First pickleball courts in any Jersey City park.
• Spray park for summertime cooling and play.
• Modern playground with safety surfacing and sensory play elements.
• Shaded seating areas and expanded green space with new trees.
• Public restrooms.
• Upgraded sidewalks and improved accessibility for all users.

"I have lived in this neighborhood for about 20 years, and I’m really excited about this park. It's been a long time coming,” said Belinda Council, a nearby resident who serves as the Holland Gardens resident president. “I helped with the design, and the vision was to make this a super fun, multi-purpose park for the whole family to enjoy."

Sensory Play

With the addition of sensory play elements, the park ensures inclusive opportunities for children of all abilities. New trees and seating areas create a more inviting and sustainable community space.

“From our first-ever city park pickleball courts to the interactive spray park, we designed this park to offer something for everyone,” said Barkha Patel, director of the Department of Infrastructure.

The ribbon-cutting came just a few weeks after two other major park renovation projects were completed in Wards A and C. In addition, Jersey City recently received national recognition, earning an improved ranking on the 2025 ParkScore Index, jumping from 47th to 31st over the past five years.

“The addition of 16th Street Park is the administration’s latest park project after more than a decade of critical investments spanning all six wards,” said John Metro, city business administrator. Fulop is leaving office after this year (the election to replace him will be held in November).

City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said the park will be open dawn until dusk, seven days per week.