Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken unveiled the final draft concept design for the future Maritime Park, located at the former Union Dry Dock waterfront property. This concept design builds upon an in-depth analysis of the City-owned site’s existing conditions and directly responds to the preferences expressed by Hoboken residents throughout the series of community meetings and surveys held over the past seven months.
The future Maritime Park will create a world-class waterfront park that reflects the significance of the Hudson River in Hoboken’s history and future, through the creation of new maritime-inspired community spaces and amenities, and natural features that increase the park’s biodiversity and resiliency to coastal flooding.
“I am incredibly proud that we are officially moving forward with the final design of Maritime Park, an effort that is the culmination of years of community planning and advocacy,” said Mayor Bhalla. “This park will benefit generations upon generations of Hoboken residents and families, while once and for all connecting the final piece of our waterfront. I offer my sincere thanks to all of the residents and community groups who helped shape this final design and look forward to the future groundbreaking!”
The final concept design proposes expansive active and passive recreational spaces including a large flexible lawn, an upgraded and enlarged skate park that is fully integrated with the surrounding area, an expanded beach and new Learning Pier for increased shoreline access, and a play area featuring natural materials and structures. The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway would be extended through the park along the river’s edge to complete the final segment along Hoboken’s waterfront. A pedestrian bridge connecting Maritime Park and Elysian Park, which is located on the bluff adjacent to Maritime Park, could be built as part of this project to increase access for residents arriving from the west.
The concept also celebrates and pays tribute to the cultural and historical importance of Hoboken’s working waterfront by establishing the Maritime Pier and a new community building. Both the Pier and community building include areas to host educational programming, display local cultural artifacts, and enjoy scenic views of the Hudson River. The Pier could be built to allow for the docking of historic vessels where residents could participate in interactive experiences while docked or sailing.
The design of Maritime Park also integrates ecological and resiliency features that further support educational programming opportunities. This includes the establishment of an enhanced shoreline that incorporates native ecologies and habitat, including a tidal marsh, on-site stormwater management through rain gardens and bioswales, and a robust tree canopy to reduce the impacts of the urban heat island effect. The project team also designed the park’s programming and topography in a manner that anticipates sea level rise over the next century.
Maritime Park will be constructed at the former Union Dry Dock site along Hoboken’s uptown waterfront. The park will be approximately 8 acres including both land and water space. Construction is anticipated to begin through a phased approach starting in 2025.
The final concept design for Maritime Park will be presented to the Hoboken Planning Board on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. and Hoboken City Council on Monday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m.
To learn more about the project, go to hobokennj.gov/maritimepark.
