Groundbreaking of new park

State, County, and City officials Celebrate Beginning the Work on the Future Site of 2nd Street to be Named After 65th Infantry Regiment, “Borinqueneers Park”

(See Photo Gallery Below)

Press Release 6/8/21 –PERTH AMBOY – State, County, and City government officials alongside residents will help break ground on the 2nd Street site in Perth Amboy. This six-acre former brownfield will be remediated into a world class ‘smart’ waterfront park. In addition, the event will host the official park naming dedication after the after 65th Infantry Regiment, “Borinqueneers,” who was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

The Perth Amboy Second Street site is located across from the Robert N. Wilentz Elementary School between Patterson Street and the Raritan River waterfront. A former scrap metal facility, the site is located at the western end of the Perth Amboy riverfront promenade which connects to numerous city open space and recreational areas.

This new park will create opportunities for programming and activities for the entire community and restore part of the City’s natural coastline. The strong growth, attractiveness and demand for the City of Perth Amboy’s open space will be enhanced with cutting-edge technology to help promote the health and safety of all users. The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) received a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to advise on environmental issues, perform additional site testing and engage in public outreach.

Rutgers University’s Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability and Bloustein School of Urban Planning ran an 8-month process that results in a concept plan directed by over 300 local students. In the past 5 years, with assistance from the NJDEP’s Community Collaborative Initiative (CCI) Program, the City and the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency acquired over $7 Million in funding for final design, remediation and construction of the park from NJDEP.

Park programming is organized into three main zones: a play-mountain with a skate park, a flexible recreational park, and a restored coastal landscape. These features pay tribute to the riverfront legacy of Perth Amboy, utilize modern green infrastructure practices to continue proper stewardship of the Raritan River all while encouraging creative play.

On April 28th, the Perth Amboy City Council passed a resolution to name the site “Borinqueneer Park.” The Borinqueneers were formally known as the 65th Infantry Regiment: the last and longest-standing segregated military unit in U.S. history that fought and commanded exclusively by Puerto Ricans.

In 2014, the U.S Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry Regiment under President Barack Obama to recognize the little-known, impressive and valiant role the Borinqueneer’s played throughout the County’s entire militaristic history. When finished, the Borinqueneer Park will offer a rare opportunity to strengthen neighborhoods and make drastic improvements in pedestrian and transit infrastructure through the new open space.

For more information, contact Mayor’s Office | (732) 826-0290 x4005 | mayorsoffice@perthamboynj.org

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