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Church Square Park Vision Plan

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Church Square Park Vision Plan

Church Square Park: Now and Then

The City of Hoboken has written a vision plan to outline potential future upgrades for historic Church Square Park. The plan was developed through nearly a year of community and stakeholder engagement including in-person and virtual meetings, surveys, and a City Council presentation.

Church Square Park is the social and ecological center of its neighborhood. Bounded by Garden Street, Fourth Street, Park Avenue, and Fifth Street, this public space in the center of Hoboken serves a broad variety of community members ranging from passive users enjoying the shade beneath the lush tree canopy - to active users playing basketball or getting exercise.

Originally constructed in 1875, this historic public space has evolved and adapted over time as the needs of the City and community have changed.  One of the most important elements of this park is the historic tree canopy and the ecological value of the green spaces located throughout.  

In 2020, the City completed an assessment of mature trees and launched an annual arboriculture program. In 2022, a landscape rehabilitation pilot program was completed for the "central spine" within the Park.

A vision set forth almost 150 years ago has allowed this park to provide an invaluable and ecologically rich respite for the residents of this neighborhood. Now, it is time to establish a Vision Plan that will set the course for it to serve the Hoboken community for the next 150 years.

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Church Square Park: Now and Then

The City of Hoboken has written a vision plan to outline potential future upgrades for historic Church Square Park. The plan was developed through nearly a year of community and stakeholder engagement including in-person and virtual meetings, surveys, and a City Council presentation.

Church Square Park is the social and ecological center of its neighborhood. Bounded by Garden Street, Fourth Street, Park Avenue, and Fifth Street, this public space in the center of Hoboken serves a broad variety of community members ranging from passive users enjoying the shade beneath the lush tree canopy - to active users playing basketball or getting exercise.

Originally constructed in 1875, this historic public space has evolved and adapted over time as the needs of the City and community have changed.  One of the most important elements of this park is the historic tree canopy and the ecological value of the green spaces located throughout.  

In 2020, the City completed an assessment of mature trees and launched an annual arboriculture program. In 2022, a landscape rehabilitation pilot program was completed for the "central spine" within the Park.

A vision set forth almost 150 years ago has allowed this park to provide an invaluable and ecologically rich respite for the residents of this neighborhood. Now, it is time to establish a Vision Plan that will set the course for it to serve the Hoboken community for the next 150 years.

Vision Plan

Phasing Strategy

Vision Plan Documents

Draft Vision Plan

The Draft Vision Plan can be found here.

Final Vision Plan

The Final Vision Plan can be found here.

Community Engagement

A successful Vision Plan depends on engaging community members to contribute ideas, hopes, and concerns for Church Square Park.

Public Meeting #1 - Open House

The City of Hoboken held a public listening session on Wednesday, March 29, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Church Square Park to gather feedback from the community about potential upgrades to the historic park's amenities. The meeting was an "open house" style event where park goers could stop by at any time to provide feedback.

Public Meeting #2 - Virtual

The City of Hoboken held a public listening session on Thursday, July 13, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., as a virtual webinar to gather feedback on the concept designs used to guide the potential upgrades to the historic park's amenities.

Meeting Recording

See the meeting recording, here.

Public Meeting #3 - Virtual

The City of Hoboken held a public listening session on Thursday, December 14, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., as a virtual webinar to gather feedback on the concept designs used to guide the potential upgrades to the historic park's amenities.

Meeting Recording

See the meeting recording, here.

Presentation Slides

See the presentation slides, here.

Public Hearing

The City of Hoboken and City Council held a Public Hearing on this project in the Council Chambers at Hoboken City Hall, 94 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030 at 7 p.m. during its regular meeting on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. To submit public comments, please email CSPVisionPlan@hobokennj.gov.

Meeting Recording

A live recording of the meeting can be found by visiting the Hoboken City Council Webpage.

Phase I - Playground Improvements

In December 2023, the City of Hoboken hired Arterial to develop construction documents for the first phase of the Church Square Park Vision Plan. Phase I will include construction of a new playground (0-5 years old), replacement of the former playground with a new lawn area, the installation of a landscape buffer along the dog run, and public restrooms.

Grant Funding Documents

  • Environmental Impact Review Assessment Outline
  • Cost Estimation: $850,000 is an order of magnitude estimate that will be updated through engineering design. The City is in the process of applying for Jake's Law grant funding to cover the costs.

Public Engagement

Public Hearing - Green Acres Jake's Law

The City of Hoboken and City Council held a Public Hearing on this project in the Council Chambers at Hoboken City Hall, 94 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030 at 7 p.m. during its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Contact Us

To submit public comments or ask questions about the Vision Plan, email: CSPVisionPlan@hobokennj.gov

knowledge base: faqs



Does the Shade Tree Commission have a list of trees that they recommend for planting? View the approved list of tree species.

Who should trim the tree in front of my house? Please contact David Calamoneri.

I know of a tree that I believe is dying or is dangerous, who should I contact? Please contact David Calamoneri.

How do I become a volunteer for the Shade Tree Commission? Please contact Peter Bakarich III.

How do I apply to be a commissioner on the Shade Tree Commission? Submit an application for appointment to citizen advisory boards and commissions.

When does the Hoboken Shade Tree commission meet? Click here to view the meeting dates for 2015.

What are the benefits and reasons for planting trees in Hoboken? Read about 13 Reasons to plant trees.

How can I find out info on the tree(s) on my Street? View the Hoboken Tree Inventory.

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