Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak today celebrated the start of Earth Week 2026 by announcing the joint acquisition of the site of a vacant building in Union City, Hudson County, that the city will transform into a youth soccer field. The acquisition will help deliver critically needed recreational space to one of the country’s most densely populated communities.
| Acting Commissioner Potosnak was joined by state and local officials at the site on Palisade Avenue to mark the partnership with Union City and the DEP’s Green Acres Program. “Community revitalization happens one block at a time, one neighborhood at a time,” Governor Mikie Sherrill said. “This project reminds us that Earth Week is a time to not only value the protection of open space and natural resources, but that green spaces come in all shapes and sizes and projects like this make our communities like Union City healthier and more livable. I commend Senator Brian Stack and Union City for partnering with the DEP to make this project possible, and for prioritizing the health and wellbeing of youth in our local communities.”“This Earth Week, the Sherrill Administration is delivering on its mission to revitalize communities and provide equitable access to open space,” said Acting Commissioner Potosnak. “Green Acres has time and time again proven to be a transformative force for communities and families across the state – and this project is a testament to how local vision and state leadership bring to life the first park in one of the most densely populated communities in 15 years. This is what delivering for New Jerseyans looks like, and that’s what the NJDEP will continue to do.” “This partnership exemplifies how state and local collaboration can transform communities,” said Senator and Union City Mayor Stack. “In one of the most densely populated sections of our city, this soccer field will provide our young people with a safe, accessible place to play and grow.” Once completed, the soccer field will serve thousands of Union City youth and families in a neighborhood where access to outdoor recreation space is limited. The field will be the largest of its type in the northern section of Union City. |
| Earlier this year, the Green Acres State Land Acquisition Bureau and the Green Acres Local and Nonprofit Assistance Program partnered with Union City to acquire the property for $4,075,000. Through a joint ownership structure of 95% state and 5% city, the state’s substantial investment in the acquisition frees up municipal resources to demolish the long-vacant, 17,000-square-foot building at the site and develop the new soccer field, creating opportunities where new recreation space has been limited. “People living in overburdened communities are more likely to lack access to open space compared to other communities,” said Alex Rivera, Chairman of the Garden State Preservation Trust. “NJDEP’s efforts to create parks in urban areas is critical to ensuring New Jersey’s kids have a place for fun, nature, and community. The good memories people will make here is our measure of success.” The Importance of Urban Open Space and Recreation This project is part of the DEP’s State Land Acquisition Bureau’s Expansion and Creation of Urban Parks initiative, which focuses on increasing close-to-home open space and neighborhood parks throughout New Jersey. The DEP collaborates with local governments to meet community needs that align with local planning priorities, with emphasis on addressing recreation deficits in densely populated urban areas. Outdoor recreation spaces support positive health and social outcomes by providing areas for fitness, relaxation, and community connection. With many communities lacking sufficient green spaces, tree coverage, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities, DEP is committed to advancing equity and environmental justice in creating and expanding the state’s open space and outdoor recreation opportunities.“ Green Acres is truly invested in these important partnerships,” said Green Acres Director Martha Sullivan Sapp. “Working together with local governments and nonprofits is the best way to ensure close-to-home recreation and open space for all New Jerseyans.” As Union City moves forward with developing the new soccer field, the municipality may explore additional funding options through Green Acres. The program provides grants and zero-interest loans to municipal and county governments, and matching grants to nonprofit organizations for open space acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development. About Green Acres The Green Acres Program works with local governments and nonprofit organizations from the time of application through a project’s completion. Green Acres has financed the protection of over 80,000 acres and hundreds of recreation development projects statewide through its Local and Nonprofit Assistance Program. Green Acres is one of the nation’s oldest and most successful land acquisition and park development programs, having preserved more than 725,000 acres of open space and developed more than 1,200 community parks since its inception in 1961. The program provides funding to state, county, and local governments and nonprofit land conservation organizations for acquisition and development of land for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes. The DEP was established on April 22, 1970 – America’s first official Earth Day. Today, DEP employees in dozens of programs continue to advance innovative strategies to safeguard and enhance New Jersey’s air, water and land, and the health of its residents. For more information on DEP’s celebration of Earth Week 2026, including a proclamation signed by Governor Sherrill, press releases, social media and other resources, visit https://dep.nj.gov/ |