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

TRENTON

- Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced the winner of a national competition to design a new state park in Paterson. Field Operations, an urban design and architectural firm, was awarded the contract by a jury of professional designers and local stakeholders.
"As the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi, Great Falls in Paterson is both a natural and historic treasure," said Governor Corzine. "New Jersey is eager to work with our federal and local partners to make certain that the full potential of this magnificent site is realized for the benefit of Paterson residents, New Jerseyans and Americans."

The new park will showcase the natural beauty of the Great Falls, and highlight the City's Native American and industrial history.

"Urban families need clean, healthy, outdoor spaces to relax and enjoy," said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson. "The Great Falls State Park will provide Paterson residents with high quality open space that will also contribute to the revitalization of one of New Jersey's largest cities. This site also offers us a unique opportunity to preserve and interpret an incredible natural and historic resource for future generations."

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.

In 1792, Alexander Hamilton, one of the nation's founding fathers and the first Secretary of the Treasury, chose Paterson as America's first planned industrial city because of the extensive water power provided by the Great Falls. The 77-foot high waterfall powered some of the country's first textile mills and other manufacturing businesses.

"This national competition is an excellent partnership between our state and local governments," said Secretary Nina Mitchell Wells. "The Department of State is committed to supporting projects which preserve our natural treasures, enhance the quality of life for all residents and transform our communities."

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.

"It is entirely appropriate that today Governor Corzine stands before these Great Falls, to announce the winner of the Urban Park Design Contest, where Hamilton was inspired to build our nation’s first industrial City," said Paterson Mayor Jose “Joey� Torres. "Paterson is on its way to a rebirth. The many years of decline have been turned around and progress is being made in every Ward in the City. Paterson residents can be sure that our commitment to restoring Paterson is firm."

At present, Liberty State Park is New Jersey’s only urban state park. Plans are underway for two more urban state parks in Trenton and New Bridge Landing in Bergen County.

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