WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Menendez today announced a $5,000,000 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant to overhaul and transform Russell Golding Park in Bayonne. The funding will allow Bayonne to completely reconstruct the park, and to service Bayonne’s ability camp for youth living with disabilities. The project will also receive $750,000 from a Hudson County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund grant, for a total of $5,750,000.

“As a result of this $5 million grant, all Bayonne residents will benefit from the state-of-the-art renovations planned for Russell Golding Park,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “These funds will enable the City of Bayonne to revamp the park and install new equipment, while also supporting youth living with disabilities who attend the Bayonne Recreation Ability Day Camp. This announcement would not have been possible without my predecessor, Albio Sires’ dedication to securing this funding in 2022, and without the leadership of Mayor Davis, Council President La Pelusa Sr., the Bayonne Council, as well as County Executive Guy.”

“This complete reconstruction of Russell Golding Park is an excellent example of how our Open Space Trust continues to contribute to making our parks better as well as bigger,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “And the pairing of our grant with these federal dollars secured by Congressman Menendez shows how the Trust continues to be a kind of funding “force-multiplier” that helps push worthy projects like this forward.”

“The City of Bayonne is very happy about the funding for Russell Golding Park,” said Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. “Thanks to this federal support, we will be able to upgrade the recreational facilities in the park and improve the quality of life for our residents. I would like to thank Congressman Rob Menendez for helping Bayonne in Washington.”

“I’m very happy to see this project come to fruition after a few delays. I am especially thankful, through Congressmen Sires and Menendez’ efforts, that we are able to improve the gateway into Bayonne,” said Bayonne Council President Gary La Pelusa Sr. “The federal and county grants will help make Russell Golding Park enjoyable for everyone. The new park will have many great additions and improvements. I’m looking forward to a groundbreaking for the new park and I’m sure it will put smiles on everyone’s face, especially my uptown constituents.”

The park’s overhaul will include new playground equipment, a new splash park, 2 full-size and one half- size basketball courts, an exercise equipment area, a whiffle ball court, and new chess tables. Additional improvements include ADA-compliant restrooms, a concession stand, pedestrian safety enhancements, ADA-compliant water fountains, and decorative landscaping.

The improvements will also benefit residents of Pamrapo Gardens, a Bayonne Housing Authority building located directly across from the park.