BOROUGH OF PROSPECT PARK BECOMES A GREEN ACRES GRANT RECIPIENT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER RECEIVING $750,000 IN TOTAL FUNDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOFSTRA PARK TURF SOCCER FIELD PROJECT

(PROSPECT PARK, NJ) – Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah and the Municipal Council of the Borough of Prospect Park is pleased to announce that for the first time ever, the Borough of Prospect Park will be receiving Green Acres funding as approved by New Jersey’s Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT) and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Out of a statewide total of $87 million in grants approved by GSPT for open space acquisition and recreation, the Borough of Prospect Park received a total award of $750,000 which includes a matching grant of $333,750 for the development of the Hofstra Park Turf Soccer Field Project.

“Each of the projects recommended for funding by the independent Garden State Preservation Trust helps build New Jersey’s outstanding parks, recreation and open space inventories,” Governor Murphy said. “These grants and loans will benefit urban and suburban communities across the state by giving people opportunities to engage in healthy activities, appreciate the outdoors and enjoy time with their families.”

 “Green Acres funding is a powerful tool that helps New Jersey improve the quality of life for residents by improving parks, acquiring land and creating multiple opportunities for active and passive recreation,” NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said.

“This is historically one of the largest grants of its kind ever received by the Borough of Prospect Park,” said Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah. “We are committed to improving our Hofstra Park facilities through partners at every level such as Governor Murphy and the NJDEP as the funding will enable us to continue preserving open space and to meet the increased demand for a soccer field and other elements of public recreation.”

The Green Acres Program, the oldest of its kind in the nation, was created in 1961 as the result of an innovative bond referendum. The Green Acres Program has protected more than 700,000 acres of open space and provided hundreds of recreational facilities around the state. Green Acres funding allows governments and nonprofits such as Prospect Park to leverage millions of additional preservation dollars through matching federal, state, county and local funds, as well as from private sources.

Green Acres projects create jobs and stimulate economic development by making communities more attractive places to live and work, consequently boosting civic pride. They also improve air and water quality.

For more information about the Green Acres Program as well as a more detailed listing of projects, visit www.NJGreenAcres.org.