By: Follow South Jersey Staff
CAMDEN, N.J. — Elijah Perry Park, located in the Centerville section of Camden, is set for a $2.3 million revitalization project, officials announced at a groundbreaking on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
“This exciting endeavor is yet another way we are investing in our county’s parks,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Parks Department, stated in a press release from the county. “Our communities are happier and healthier when they have access to quality green spaces, and it is a top priority that we are providing that for all residents of Camden County.”
The Camden Redevelopment Agency has already completed the environmental investigation and remediation, according to the county.
The City of Camden, the Camden Housing Authority, the Camden Redevelopment Agency, and Camden Community Partnership is funding the construction of the park which is slated to be complete by summer.
“Our city has unfortunately been plagued by numerous Brownfield properties for far too long and these sites are impacting the health and wellbeing of residents and thwarting progress in our neighborhoods,” Mayor Vic Carstarphen said in the press release. “But now, we can say goodbye to one of these toxic sites and look forward to a positive chapter here in Camden. Breaking ground on this project signifies our continuing commitment to improve the lives of our residents and I cannot wait to welcome the community to Elijah Perry Park soon.”
At the groundbreaking, Congressman Donald Norcross stated how he is fighting for better community green spaces on a federal level.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver and improve the quality of life for our communities across South Jersey,” Norcross said. “I’m proud to have secured $3.5 million last year to remove hazardous waste from Elijah Perry Park and ensure that it remains a clean, healthy, and safe community space that can be used by everyone. Protecting our neighborhoods and our environment continues to be a top priority of mine, and I will continue to fight in Congress to reduce health burdens and keep our communities safe.”
According to the county, “in 2022, the City of Camden was awarded $3.5 million grant from the EPA for Brownfield projects around the city including Elijah Perry Park. A brownfield is a property where the expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated due to the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Once these properties have been cleaned up, former brownfields can be redeveloped into productive uses such as grocery stores, affordable housing, parks, or solar farms.”
Senator Cory Booker stated that the project represents a larger commitment from the state to improve the lives of Camden residents.
“This investment in Elijah Perry Park stands as a testament to our collective commitment to protecting the health of Camden residents and promoting economic opportunity,” Senator Cory Booker stated. “I look forward to witnessing its transformation into a vibrant community asset that improves the quality of life for residents. This park was created by FDR’s New Deal, and I’m proud that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing historic resources to help restore contaminated sites, reduce health burdens, and spur economic revitalization.”
The New Elijah Perry Park is set to offer a range of amenities for Camden residents, including:
- Two new basketball courts
- A baseball field
- A mini soccer pitch
- Playground with a net climber
- Outdoor exercise equipment and relaxing picnic areas
- New restroom facilities
- A pavilion with picnic tables and chairs,
- And a refreshing spray ground feature.
Dana Redd, CEO for the Camden Community Partnership, stated how important green spaces are to communities.
“Public parks are a vital community asset that enhances our residents’ health and well-being while also strengthening the character of our neighborhoods,” Redd said. “After the pandemic, it has become evident that investments to improve our public parks and open spaces are not a luxury but a necessity,” Redd said. “The enhancements currently underway at Elijah Perry Park are the perfect example of this and it would not be made possible without the collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, EPA, NJDEP, Housing Authority, Camden Redevelopment Agency, and Camden County.”
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