State of NJ Announces Investment in Open Spaces & Park Improvements

October 28, 2021

Governor Phil Murphy, alongside New Jersey DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and Senator Brian P. Stack, recently made the announcement of a planned $100 million investment in various park, playground, and open spaces projects through the state’s Green Acres Program. The proposed investment will help establish new parks and improve existing ones, create open spaces in New Jersey, develop playgrounds and athletic fields, and also enhance the state’s flood resilience.

Numerous municipal entities applied for funding to develop projects that addressed the impact of climate change, provided equitable access to public spaces, and advanced the state’s long-term resilience goals. Applicants were also encouraged identify opportunities to maximize potential environmental, social, and health benefits to the public. The Garden State Preservation trust is presently reviewing recommended allocations that include funding for park development projects, county and municipal land acquisition projects, and stewardship projects of various sizes. Other recommended funding allocations include grants for improvements to state parks and wildlife management areas, preservation of open space, and historic preservation projects in overburdened communities. The Garden State Preservation Trust will ultimately make recommendations to the State Legislature for approval of the funding.

We at T&M Associates look forward to working with numerous municipal clients and their partner organizations to bring some of these important projects to fruition. More information about the program and the full list of proposed projects can be found at https://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres/.