(26/P05) TRENTON – Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today unveiled the Vision & Action Plan for New Jersey’s newest state park, a nine-mile greenway in Essex and Hudson counties.
The plan looks beyond the nearly one-mile Newark segment of the project which broke ground in July, and establishes the foundational framework that will guide planning, design and investment for the remaining eight miles of the future park.
“The Vision & Action Plan specifies a strategic approach for transforming an abandoned rail corridor into something truly special – a world-class urban park for communities in need of open, green spaces,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “The identified priorities are a blueprint for the future, to ensure that the dream we have for this land and former rail line will become a recreation destination for generations to come.”
The future park traverses several overburdened communities that have historically lacked access to open space and face disproportionate environmental and public health challenges. Development of the park represents a significant step toward addressing these disparities and expanding access to nature and recreation.
“This linear park is more than just a path; it is a generational opportunity to weave nature back into our urban fabric,” said John Cecil, DEP’s Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “The Vision & Action Plan establishes a framework for a vibrant corridor that will enhance local communities and elevate the quality of life for millions of residents.”
“The Vision & Action Plan is the first step in guiding continued engagement to ensure the future park meets the needs of surrounding communities,” said Maggie McCann, DEP’s Administrator for Urban State Parks & Initiatives. “It will be a critical tool, providing a framework for thoughtful, long-term park growth that remains responsive to community needs.”
The Vision & Action Plan emphasizes inclusive design and accessibility, including ADA-compliant features and welcoming public spaces that foster a sense of belonging for users of all ages and abilities. The plan may be viewed on the DEP’s website.
Continued community engagement will be essential to realizing the full potential of the Vision & Action Plan for the greenway, ensuring the park serves each of the communities it will touch – Jersey City, Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge and Montclair.
The next steps for the project include development of a comprehensive master plan, identification of funding strategies, and establishment of long-term operations and maintenance plans.
The Vision & Action Plan was developed by Agency Landscape + Planning and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Public input was at the center of the process, with engagement events hosted in every municipality along the future park’s route, ranging from information tables at farmers markets and block parties to formal open houses and listening sessions at libraries, schools and parks.
Ongoing Construction in Newark
In July, Governor Murphy, alongside state and local officials, broke ground on the nearly one-mile Newark segment of the project, which includes three community gathering spaces connected by a meandering ADA-accessible trail.
Construction activities to date on the one-mile segment include rough grading, installation of erosion control measures, stormwater management improvements and vegetation removal. Rough grading is a critical early step that establishes the foundation for all future construction.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is overseeing construction of the Newark segment.
A video highlighting construction progress in Newark, featuring Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Commissioner LaTourette, may be viewed here.
Project Background
The DEP acquired the nine-mile property from Norfolk Southern Corporation in 2022, following years of advocacy to transform the abandoned rail line into a recreational and transportation corridor.
The rail line last served commuters in 2002, when NJ TRANSIT discontinued operations due to the opening of an alternate line with direct service to New York and high repair costs associated with two bridges on the line.
Freight service on the line east of Newark ended in the 1990s, and no freight traffic has operated between Newark and Montclair since 2009. The NJEDA is evaluating economic opportunities that may arise from the creation of the new state park.
More information about the project may be found at dep.nj.gov/greenway/.