Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today announced Phase 1 of the Church Square Park Improvements Project will begin this week following years of community engagement and planning. The project aims to enhance the park while preserving its historic character.
Originally constructed in 1875, Church Square Park is bordered by Garden Street, Fourth Street, Willow Avenue, and Fifth Street. Phase 1 of the park’s upgrades will include the construction of a new playground for children ages 0-5, the replacement of the former playground with a new lawn area, the installation of a landscape buffer along the dog run to mitigate sound, and the addition of new public restrooms. These upgrades align with the Church Square Park Vision Plan, which was developed through a year-long public planning process involving in-person and virtual meetings and surveys.
“Church Square Park is a vital gathering space used year-round by multiple schools and neighbors,” said Mayor Bhalla. “With so much daily activity, it has seen significant wear and tear, making these upgrades essential to keeping it safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all. By investing in new play areas, green space, and other improvements, we’re ensuring this historic park continues to serve our community for years to come. I’m grateful to the residents who helped shape this vision to enhance the park and look forward to seeing these improvements in the months ahead.”
The new playground for children ages 0-5 will be located in the southwest section of the park along Fourth Street near Willow Avenue. It will feature inclusive and educational play elements, such as ramped play structures integrated into the existing tree canopy, play panels, an inclusive whirl, a junior round climber, play mounds, magnet play elements, all-user swings, curved benches, and safety surfacing. The former toddler playground will be transformed into a green lawn space with plantings and seating for passive use.
As part of Phase 1, the City will also install a landscape buffer for the dog run along Willow Avenue, which will consist of a concrete curb fence with acoustic soundproofing material, planting bed fencing, and shrubs while preserving the existing trees.
Additionally, a new accessible restroom and utility building will be installed near Garden and Fourth Streets.
This week, contractors will begin with site mobilization, including the installation of temporary fencing throughout portions of the park’s Phase 1 areas, as well as upgrades to the park’s sewer connection on Willow Avenue at Fourth Street.
Temporary work zone restrictions and sidewalk closures will be in place on Willow Avenue between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. Temporary road closures may be in effect between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Truck and emergency vehicle access will be maintained under the direction of the Hoboken Police Department and Office of Emergency Management.
Phase 1 construction is anticipated to take approximately five months.
For a weekly construction schedule, go to www.hobokennj.gov/construction.
For more information on the project and the Church Square Park Vision Plan, go to https://www.hobokennj.gov/resources/church-square-park-vision-plan.
