Friends of Hamilton Park

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Hamilton Park

On Saturday November 25th at 5:00 pm, the Friends of Hamilton Park will host the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Hamilton Park, located at Jersey Ave. and 8th Street.

Refreshments, cookies and holiday breads will be available and the event will include carols with songful help from Holy Rosary.

Everyone is welcome to attend as we kick off the holiday season in Hamilton Park.

posted by administrator @ 11/22/2006 02:34:00 PM

Preparing for the lighting ceremony

On Saturday, we began at 11:00 am and worked until 4:45 pm. Nine more new sets of colored lights were added to the pine tree and white icicles are once again hanging from the gazebo. We kept blowing fuses but that's because we weren't suppose to plug more than 3 sets into the outlet! We always forget that part. We did the best we could considering we didn't have any way to reach the top of the tree. An extendable pole purchased from Lowes and a tall ladder did the trick. They're up, they're working and they'll make the park sparkle, just as they did last year.

A fire truck went up 8th street after dark when we tested them, and the guys gave us the thumbs up!

Then on Sunday, and after a hot brunch, a few of us members worked for another four hours to clean up around the gazebo to rake leaves, cut back brush and pick up garbage. That area around the gazebo is so dirty that nobody wants to touch it (literally), but we do it twice a year. We're all set for next Saturday.

posted by administrator @ 11/19/2006 08:53:00 PM

Holiday decorating is this Saturday Nov. 18th

White icicle lights will be put around the gazebo and more colored lights will be added to the tree to prepare for our Tree Lighting Ceremony coming up on Sat. Nov. 25th.

We prepare for the event by decorating one week in advance. If you're interested in helping us string lights this Saturday, just meet us in the park by the gazebo, and dress warm.

posted by administrator @ 11/17/2006 02:49:00 PM

Notice of Public Meeting

The Friends of Hamilton Park will be hosting a public meeting on:

Monday November 13th
7:30 PM
330 Ninth Street

Our informational meeting will take place in the Atrium located between Monmouth & Brunswick St. Learn more about the Friends of Hamilton Park, our accomplishments, how to join as a member, and help us make plans for 2007.

posted by administrator @ 11/03/2006 02:27:00 PM

Amendments to the Hamilton Park Renovation Plan

Amendments to the Hamilton Park Renovation Plan
November 2006

The Jersey City Reporter
Letters to the Editor

The Jersey City Parks Coalition asks that the Hamilton Park renovation plans reflect the clear input of residents as reflected in the HPNA's surveys. In particular, we are concerned that the public's wish for bountiful quality park gardens and landscaping, including gardens at the park's entrances, has not been reflected in the plans presented thus far by T & M. We have found that in Van Vorst Park, Ercel Webb Park, Pershing Field, Sgt. Anthony Park and elsewhere that community gardens best allow a community to become empowered to own and develop and protect the parks of the City. They add the human touch.

A question on the first ballot that took place on June 11, 2005 asked residents to "please list, in order of priority, your top four concerns or wishes that you would like addressed in this renovation of Hamilton Park". Residents freely voted for: dog run (139), updated playground equipment (65), more landscaping and gardens (51), and pet free area (42). These were the top choices selected by residents and accompanied by these scores.

It is also important the community's will be followed regarding a quality dog run, updated children's and toddler's play areas that are located comfortably in their own space, as well as more irrigated community gardens, quality landscaping and clean pet free-lawn areas. The Friends of Hamilton Park should receive full support as they continue to lead residents to develop and maintain Hamilton Park's community gardens and to introduce rich cultural events within the Park like the Farmers' Markets.

The HPNA study also reveals that residents did not place a high value on basketball (13) or tennis courts (27) within the park. They want active sports areas for our older children and adults, but do not want to lose precious park lawn space when they could be located a couple of blocks away. We ask that the City work with residents to accomplish this. We appreciate the balloting efforts put forth by HPNA president Stoia in conducting a consensus study and look forward to a successful renovation of this historic downtown park.

The Jersey City Parks Coalition (a 501(c)(3) has empowered residents to design the renovations of Van Vorst Park, Ercel Webb Park and Pershing Field thus far and is also assisting its other members towards this end. We have also fund raised for nearly all of the tens of thousands of plants and trees that have been placed in the dozens of new community gardens. We believe that residents know best how to design their community park, plan for its uses, help raise the necessary funds and help to maintain and protect their precious communal space.

Our growing park group membership is: CABA (Ercel Webb Park), PFGF (Pershing Field), FVVP (Van Vorst Park), MABA (Cornelius Parker Park), SAPA (Sgt. Anthony Park), UGSBA (Arlington Park), MLKBA ( Izetta McDuffy Park), FFSP (First Street Park), FoHP (Hamilton Park), and FSC (Speer Cemetery).

Dr Clifford Waldman
Executive Director
Jersey City Parks Coalition

posted by administrator @ 11/03/2006 02:27:00 PM