Hudson County Executive Craig Guy is supporting the county’s Green Acres application for the James J. Braddock Park Nature Trail in North Bergen.
If approved by the New Jersey Legislature, a $2,099,000 million grant would be awarded to improve James J. Braddock Park and create a Nature Trail.
“This Green Acres Program funding will allow us to continue making upgrades to our parks,” said County Executive Craig Guy. “North Bergen’s Braddock Park is a gem in our county parks’ system and this green space helps residents remain active, connected to nature, and is crucial to maintaining both North Bergen and Hudson County’s high quality of life.”
The trail will travel through the area between John F. Kennedy Boulevard East and River Road. The county is still determining the exact length of the trail necessary to safely traverse the slope.
The James J. Braddock Park Nature Trail project will include a walking trail with lighting, observation platforms, interpretive signage, and seating. Proposed improvements also include the removal of invasive species, the plantings of native species, improved park maintenance access, Wi-Fi, and an emergency call system at the site. These improvements will expand the network of open space by increasing connectivity between James J. Braddock Park and River Road, while at the same time protecting and revitalizing this natural area.
The concept for the James J. Braddock Park Nature Trail project originated through community feedback about the redevelopment of the site. Over a decade ago, in 2014, a Community Vision Plan was prepared by the American Planning Association; however, there was no funding available for implementation.
In 2024, Hudson County solicited the services of Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc. to revisit the vision for the site and prepare a concept plan for James J. Braddock Park. The concept plan included feedback from various county departments and members of the public resulting in various changes.
The park is named after James J. Braddock, the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1935 to 1937, who grew up in North Bergen and was the subject of the Ron Howard-directed biopic “Cinderella Man.”
