New Jersey is the most densely populated state in our country, which makes preserving our green open spaces even more important. Jersey City, NJ is home to Liberty State Park, a national green treasure with spectacular views of Manhattan, Lady Liberty, and Ellis Island. On any given day, families can be seen picnicking, flying kites, playing frisbee, and bike riding, all free of charge. The Park’s 1,200 acres is one of the only green open spaces available within the urban areas of North Jersey.
Unfortunately, the Christie Administration views Liberty State Park as prime real estate to make money off of. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) released a report and a recent proposal, The Future of Liberty State Park, which recommends building a private hotel, an indoor Sportsplex, a private marina, an amusement park, and more. This commercial wish list will not only shrink the park’s recreational space, but privatizing key areas of the park would also reduce parking spots and increase traffic.
This President’s Day, hundreds of park supporters gathered for a photo in protest of the Christie Administration’s privatization and commercialization plans. The group photo was taken in front of our nation’s greatest symbol of freedom and democracy, Lady Liberty.
Alongside NY/NJ Baykeeper and the Friends of Liberty State Park, protesters of all ages carried signs and passionately chanted, “Free and Green,” and “No Privatization.”
NY/NJ Baykeeper and the Friends of Liberty State Park plan to keep the pressure on the administration until commercialization proposals are dropped.
Ways you can help save Liberty State Park:
+ Sign the petition to keep the park free and green at www.savelsp.org
+ Engage your social media followers using #SaveLSP and #PicnicsNotPrivatization
+ Follow the Friends of Liberty State Park and NY/NJ Baykeeper on Facebook for upcoming events
For more information, visit www.nynjbaykeeper.org.