Governor Jon S. Corzine

GOVERNOR CORZINE ANNOUNCES WINNER OF NATIONWIDE DESIGN COMPETITION FOR NEW URBAN STATE PARK

TRENTON

- Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced the winner of a national competition to design a new state park in Trenton. The Wallace, Roberts and Todd LLC design firm was awarded the contract by a jury of professional designers and local stakeholders.
“The new state urban park will celebrate Trenton's history and cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the nation to learn about the importance of our Capital City and the critical role it played during the American Revolution,� said Governor Corzine. “By providing a clean, healthy space for families and children, the new park will also improve the quality of life for New Jerseyans who call Trenton home.�

The new park, which will be known as the Capital City State Park, will reconnect New Jersey's capital city to surrounding waterways, linking historic sites and existing parks that played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.

"When we create a state park in an urban environment such as Trenton, we are not only protecting our valuable historic and natural treasures, but we are also connecting city residents with quality open space and opportunities for recreation," said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson. "Everyone who appreciates the value of New Jersey's parks, historic sites and wildlife areas will have an opportunity to shape the future of these treasured resources when they go to the polls in November."

In addition to the $400,000 provided by the Garden State Preservation Trust for the design of the new urban state park, Governor Corzine has set aside an additional $500,000 for the first phase of construction, which will be completed in multiple phases over several years.

“The Capital City State park will serve as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life for all residents, increase cultural tourism in the state’s capital, and improve our environment,� said Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells. “Future generations visiting the park also will have a wonderful opportunity to learn about Trenton’s rich heritage and historic landmarks.�

The Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Treasury, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Institute of Technology worked together to plan and supervise the nationwide competition, which began over a year ago. The two-stage competition sought submissions from firms across the country that focused on accessibility and the integration of natural and man-made environments.

In the first stage, a jury of six professional designers reviewed entries and selected five finalists from the 36 design submissions. In the second stage, three members of that jury along with local stakeholders were selected to choose a winner from among the finalists. Finalists were instructed to include public comments in their final design.

"This is a magnificent vision," said Mayor Douglas H. Palmer. "It will be implemented because of the real commitment to our capital city that is shared by Governor Corzine, Commissioner Jackson, and other stakeholders, who not only understand the movement to redevelop Trenton but are dedicated to helping us achieve it. The plan for Stacy Park will produce jobs, inspire tourism, and enhance economic development for a whole new era. This is the cornerstone of the true renaissance of Trenton."

The park will be developed in phases, the first of which encompasses all of Trenton's Capitol Complex, located on the city's western edge and bordered by Route 29 and Stacy Park along the Delaware River. The new park will also extend two blocks southeast of the Capital Complex towards the Assunpink Creek at South Broad Street and northwest to Calhoun Street and its historic iron-truss bridge. Later phases of the park development will link historic sites throughout Trenton and other areas, including Hamilton Township and Washington Crossing State Park.

At present, Liberty State Park is New Jersey’s only urban state park. The Trenton urban park project is one of two new urban state park initiatives. A jury of professional peers is currently reviewing submissions for a second urban park in Paterson.

On Nov. 7, New Jersey voters will be asked to consider a constitutional amendment that would provide a dedicated source of funding - $15 million a year until 2015 and $32 million annually beginning in 2016 - for maintenance and capital improvements at wildlife areas, historic sites and state parks. Without requiring any new taxes, Public Question 2 would allow revenues already generated through the Corporate Business Tax Fund to be used for maintenance and capital-improvement projects.

Voters' approval of Public Question 2 would guarantee a stable source of state funding every year for maintenance and capital improvements at New Jersey's parks, historic sites and wildlife areas.

To learn more about Public Question 2, visit: www.NJSOS.org.

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