Revitalization History

Since Liberty State Park’s opening in 1976 as New Jersey’s bicentennial “gift to the nation,” the park has been in a constant state of development and revitalization – transforming areas from an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland.

The Murphy Administration has done more to advance Liberty State Park’s revitalization with the public interest at the center of the process then has occurred in the modern era, formally launching the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program to explore ways the park can better meet the needs of New Jersey residents and the millions of visitors from across the globe.

Public engagement began in 2020 through a series of virtual meetings focused on the cleanup of the park’s interior and has since expanded to include in person and online engagement opportunities – including five large scale open house-style events which allowed the public to view plans up close and ask questions to the team developing the plans.

In August 2021, DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette issued DEP Administrative Order 2021-18  establishing the advisory Liberty State Park Design Task Force comprised of 17 unpaid, volunteer members asked to advise DEP on iterative park planning and design decisions and, most importantly, to support DEP in operationalizing public feedback to ensure that park improvement decisions were responsive to and likely to meet the diverse needs of the public. In July 2022, the Legislature passed P.L. 2022, c. 45, which acknowledged the existing advisory Task Force established by DEP and expanded its membership. The legislation retained the original 17 Task Force members and provided for 6 additional members, with the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker each making two appointments.

Results from public input have been clear in relaying that Liberty State Park should remain a space which accommodates the needs of all New Jerseyans in the most densely populated county in the most densely populated state in the nation.

Revitalization Timeline

FALL 2023

Interior

Initial groundbreaking of site preparation including vegetation clearing

Morris Pesin Corridor

Develop initial concepts and renderings

Audrey Zapp Corridor

Select consultant to develop master plan

Engagement

Open House hosted on Oct. 18 and Design Task Force on Nov. 28

WINTER 2023-2024

Interior

Site preparation including vegetation clearing and 90% design milestone

Morris Pesin Corridor

Continue refinement of conceptual design based on engagement feedback 

Audrey Zapp Corridor

Continue development of master plan based on engagement feedback 

Engagement

Design Task Force meeting including public comment session hosted on March 2

SPRING 2024

Interior

Site preparation and supplemental remediation investigation including ground scans for munitions & explosives of concern

Morris Pesin Corridor

Continue refinement of conceptual design based on engagement feedback

Audrey Zapp Corridor

Continue development of master plan based on engagement feedback

Engagement

Design Task Force meetings and public comment sessions hosted on April 9 and May 21.

Open House hosted on May 11. 

SUMMER 2024

Interior

Site preparation and supplemental remediation investigations including intrusive work to identify munitions & explosives of concern

Morris Pesin Corridor

Select consultant; design of priority areas including Central Railroad Terminal Train Shed, the north cove and the Grove of Remembrance.

Audrey Zapp Corridor

Continue development of master plan, including refinement of athletic hub conceptual design based on engagement feedback.

Engagement

Shuttle Pilot Program launches July 19, including onboard ridership and online surveys.

FALL 2024

Interior

Site preparation and supplemental remediation investigations including confirmatory soil testing

Morris Pesin Corridor

Finalize conceptual design and continue site investigation of priority areas.

Audrey Zapp Corridor

Continue development of master plan, including a phased development strategy.

Engagement

Host Open House on Sept. 28.

Shuttle Pilot Program ends service Sept. 29.

WINTER 2024 – 2025

Interior

Site preparation and supplemental remediation investigation including Geoprobe sampling, data analysis and design updates

Morris Pesin Corridor

Continue detailed design of priority areas.

Audrey Zapp Corridor

Continue development of master plan.

Engagement

Open House hosted on Jan. 25.

SPRING 2025

Interior

Sitewide construction preparation including comprehensive debris removal

Morris Pesin Corridor

Finalize detailed design of priority areas.

Audrey Zapp Corridor

Finalize master plan.

Photo Gallery: Liberty State Park Opening Day – June 14, 1976
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