New Jersey Gives $5.7M To Revamp Camden Parks and Public Spaces

Camden got a big boost on Oct. 2. The state's Economic Development Authority sent $5.7 million to fix up five public spots across the city.

Workers will upgrade the Wiggins Waterfront, Sheila Roberts Park, Roosevelt Plaza, 7th & Clinton Street Park, and an East Camden building. The fixes target areas hit hard by COVID-19, aiming to bring back life to these spots.

"The funds awarded to Camden will stimulate inclusive economic development in key commercial corridors, generating jobs, aiding local businesses, and fostering sustained prosperity through impactful investments," said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan, per Roi-NJ.com.

East Camden's project tops the list at $3.3 million. A building on Federal Street will turn into a business center, with $2.5 million from state funds and $810,000 in matching money.

At Roosevelt Plaza Park, $1.1 million will add food spots and green space. Down at the waterfront, $1 million goes to Wiggins Promenade for vendor spots in kiosks and shipping boxes.

Mayor Victor Carstarphen spoke about what these spots mean to locals. "Parks are more than playgrounds and fields: they are places where memories are made, where friendships are formed, and where a community takes root," said Carstarphen, per The SunPapers.com.

The 7th & Clinton Street Park will get $686,545 for new play spots and a gazebo. Sheila Roberts Park's $548,734 upgrade focuses on making a safe space for kids and families.

County Commissioner Jeffrey Nash saw big potential in the changes. "This allocation of $5 million will be a game changer in terms of boosting the local economy and improving the use of our public spaces," Nash said, per Roi-NJ.com.

Dana Redd, who runs Camden Community Partnership, thinks this money will change things. "With this support, and the continued partnership of the city, county, and nonprofit organizations, we take another powerful step toward realizing the full promise of our great city," said Redd, according to The SunPapers.com.

The state picked Camden for this money through its Urban Investment Fund, which started last year. Only six cities made the cut: Camden joins Newark, New Brunswick, Passaic, Paterson, and Trenton based on size and need.