Designing Jersey City’s Newest Recreation Destination: 16th Street Park

Jersey City officials and community leaders celebrated the opening of 16th Street Park, a new half-acre recreational space in the “SoHo West” neighborhood near the Hoboken border.

Once an asphalt lot with a few basketball hoops, the $2.7 million project now features a splash pad, playground equipment, picnic areas, restrooms, three pickleball courts, and a multiuse sports court.

Designed by Bohler’s Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design team, the park was driven by a community-led effort spearheaded by Holland Gardens Resident Council President Belinda Council, who spoke emotionally at the ribbon-cutting about seeing her grandchildren play there.

The park also introduces several firsts for Jersey City: its first city-maintained pickleball courts and its first Portland Loo public restroom. Officials, including Mayor Steven Fulop, praised the project as a long-awaited addition that will enhance community pride and recreation opportunities.