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Urban Parks - Trenton, NJ

Page history last edited by Robert Hackett 10 years, 3 months ago

Note: please note that this issue brief should (a) link back to the issue overview on this topic, (b) be focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (c) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

 

Link here to the Urban Parks overview page.

 

 

Scope of the Problem  factual statements on the extent of the problem in the past, current, or future


  • Urban parks are largely neglected and government agencies are short on resources to better maintain them. It has become evident that Trenton residents lack the proper environmental knowledge to better maintain their parks and communities and this growing epidemic has resulted in the de-beatification of Trenton parks. According to the 2000 Census, Trenton is a highly populated city, with roughly 11,153 people living per square mile.  Its high density is accompanied pollution, one the most prevalent and harmful.   [need footnote]
  • Trenton residents generate an astounding amount of trash. On Community Engaged Learning Days TCNJ students have picked up hundreds of pounds of littered waste in disproportionally small areas in Trenton parks and green space.  Trenton’s pollution problem spans all sectors and poses a huge problem. [need footnote]
  • According to Scorecard, a third party pollution ranking organization, in 2002 Mercer county ranked in the 10% worst of ALL counties in terms of air-released pollution.  Out of the 7 highest offending companies (that produce airborne pollution) 4 of them are located in Trenton.  The most common chemicals released are hydrochloric acid (a staggering 2.2 million pounds per year), hydrofluoric acid (95 thousand lbs per year), and sulfuric acid (84 thousand lbs per year).  These are highly toxic gases that adversely affect the quality of life  for Trenton residents and visitors.  [need footnote]
  • The problem is not limited to air, but is also present in water.  According to Scorecard, Mercer County, strongly driven by Trenton’s pollution, ranks in the bottom 10% for both the number of water bodies impaired by pollution and number of water bodies with “impaired or threatened uses.”  To put this in perspective, only 12% of water bodies in Mercer County are safe to swim in, and only 4% are safe to use for fishing.  This is due to the high concentration of metals such as mercury found water bodies a result of both of corporate chemical dumping and littering. [need footnote]

 

 

Past Policy  key legislation and milestones including significant policy and funding shifts, major studies, etc.


  • National Park Service Urban Park Recreation and Recovery — Trenton, NJ (in partnership with the City of Trenton)
    • Project Name: Martin Luther King Park, Lincoln Laundry, Washington Playground, and Faircrest Playground
      • Federal Share: $146,837
      • Fiscal Year: 1979
      • Description:Martin Luther King Park - renovated ballfield, dugouts, bleachers, public address system, and storage building. Lincoln Library - constructed a new tot-lot, and installed new play equipment. Faircrest Playground - redesigned play area and installed new playground equipment. Washington Playground - redesigned playground, installed new playground equipment, park furniture, and landscaping.
    • Project Name: Cadwalader Park
      • Federal Share: $360,000
      • Fiscal Year: 1983
      • Description: Renovated pond area, tennis courts, installed new playground equipment.
    • Project Name: Martin Luther King Park
      • Federal Share: $169,303
      • Fiscal Year: 1994
      • Description: Demolished existing site and redesigned park. Installed new playground equipment, park furniture, picnic tables, benches, earthwork, and repaired drainage system.
    • Project Name: Edgewood Avenue Playground
      • Federal Share: $56,000
      • Fiscal Year: 2000
      • Description: Renovate ball courts, install new benches, picnic tables, and playground equipment, new walkway and landscaping.
    • Project Name: Martin Luther King Pool
      • Federal Share: $210,000
      • Fiscal Year: 2001
      • Description: Swimming pool renovations include kecking, shell, pump and filter system, and new pool furnishings.

 

Current Policy  summary of current policies in the form of legislation, programs, and funding


 

 

Key Organizations/Individuals   contacts for public and private organizations and key individuals


  • City of Trenton Division of Natural Resources: is responsible for the care and maintenance of the City's parks, gardens, trees and open spaces. The Division also designs new and renovated parks and recreation areas. The Division of Natural Resources includes the Shade Tree Bureau.  The Shade Tree Bureau is responsible for maintaining and caring for all the City's trees. Tree planting is an important part of the Bureau's role.

 

 

Bibliography   web sites, reports, articles, and other reference material 


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