Now and then Riverview-Fish Park | Contributed Photo
JERSEY CITY, NJ—A 130-foot by 87-foot makeshift, patchy grass field in the Heights has been transformed into a more usable multipurpose turf recreational field for all residents. The field can be used as a flexible space for freeform play.
The city leveled the property and installed turf to convert the area into a playable field for recreational sports. A sidewalk was also built along the field’s length to provide a safe connection. The streetscape has been further improved with tree plantings and rain gardens along the sidewalk’s edge protected by tree guards.
“We are always looking for opportunities to enhance our parks infrastructure across the city, and this community-driven project is one more way for people to get maximum use of the park,” said Mayor Steven M. Fulop. “We found residents and families were using the patchy grass area as an improvised field, and so we leveled the lot and added turf for a safer, more versatile, and durable multipurpose field that everyone can enjoy for games and sports.”
This latest improvement project follows the recent renovation at Riverview-Fisk Park, including the installation of a splash park, bocce ball court, tree plantings, landscaping, an irrigation system, shade structures, a community bulletin board, steel fencing, bench seating, new light fixtures, and a new multipurpose plaza with a central water fountain. The city also restored several historical monuments to complement the park’s renowned views overlooking the vast NYC skyline.
In addition to the surface improvements, underground upgrades include new foundations, conduits, water lines, drainage lines, stormwater absorption, and site grading as part of the project. A new water service line will also be installed, including meters, backflow preventers, ground hydrants, and an irrigation system.
The field is now enclosed with a new three-sided fence to protect people using the neighboring walking path overlooking the Palisades Cliffs from being inconvenienced or at risk of injury from the increased sports use.
“It is a simple but functional change because people will now be able to use it as a true field for all types of sports, games, and activities,” said Barkha Patel, Director of the Department of Infrastructure.
Roger Heitmann, Founder and Committee Co-Chair of Friends of Riverview-Fisk Park and Board Member of the Jersey City Parks Coalition, said, “Our parks are more important now than ever as our community continues to grow, and time outside has become so important to our residents’ mental and physical well-being.”
Heitman added that the community began planning for this multiple-use field years ago with input from the Riverview Neighborhood Association membership. “We are pleased that the plan has come to fruition… and hope that it provides the intended recreation and social opportunities to all that will share the space.”
The multipurpose field is a first in the Heights.
