Lincoln Park - Jersey City, NJ

Jersey City is often overlooked due to its geographic location. Located directly across the river from Manhattan and the magnet of New York City and in the often-maligned state of New Jersey, the city is not a top destination for visitors. However, for local residents of the area, Jersey City plays a valuable role. Its key location within the New York metropolitan area contributes to its standing as the second highest-populated city in New Jersey, right behind Newark. It is an employment hub for North Jersey and New York as well as a popular address for commuters who work in Manhattan. Therefore, the city is full of all the vibrant amenities and diverse neighborhoods and experiences that such a location would typically offer. Among these aspects is a extensive and relatively well-maintained parks and open space system.

Lincoln Park is a popular destination for local residents of the city and nearby region. Located on the western side of the city, the park claims an extensive amount of real estate for the entire public to enjoy. It is also on the less glamorous side of the city, away from the Hudson River, and views of Manhattan. Therefore, its location plays an important role in keeping crowds down and making the park a haven for local residents. Despite its lack of a Hudson River address, the park still commands an impressive view of a more natural and utilitarian, and completely New Jersey, landscape. The Hackensack River, the Meadowlands, and the various roadways and train routes that traverse the area can all be seen from various points in the park. It gives the area a unique feel as one is immersed in public natural open space while being surrounded by some of America's most intimidating industrial landscape. And this industrial landscape is completely immersed within and along the edges of a large marshy wetland referred to as the Meadowlands. While this area certainly has a lot of admirers and advocates, this region of New Jersey is among the most heavily traveled in the region, especially by those who do not live in the state. As a result, New Jersey often gets a bad reputation from outsiders because this industrial landscape is all they really experience within the state as they travel through it.

Lincoln Park is one the most accessible spots of public open space within this unique region. The park was established in 1905 and spans a total of 123 acres. It also plays a key role in the quality of life for nearby residents as it is the largest park in Hudson County. That is important, because although the county is small in size, it is one of the most densely populated counties in the entire United States. An expansive green public outlet such as Lincoln Park plays a pivotal role for residents who wish to momentarily escape form their crowded, urban existence. The park is also not a finished product, as extensive efforts are underway in improving and expanding both the scope and quality of the park. it has been a constant process in the park's history. Over a third of the park's territory on it's western edge along the Hackensack has been converted from undevelopable swampland. Currently, the park is pursuing similar methods in adding new pathways, land, and facilities along the edge of this area.

The park is also home to a crucial link in the East Coast Greenway, a continuous system of trails that has the ultimate goals of connecting the entire east coast. Due to the Meadowlands and the industrial nature of the area, North Jersey is one of the most intimidating and challenging sections of the Greenway. However, Lincoln Park has wonderfully created and preserved its portion of it. Along with the numerous sports fields and facilities, it is one of the top destinations for biking in the urban jungle that largely surrounds the park. Lincoln Park ultimately provides a unique setting. As it was preserved early, the park is a haven of open space amidst industrial sprawl and abused natural landscapes. As it stands out against this setting, the park is all that much more pivotal and beautiful.