In the city of Trenton, N.J., a new change is occurring that is revitalizing vacant green spaces into hubs of hope, recreation and unity. At its center is Unity Square Park, which is undergoing a comprehensive five-phase construction that reflects the city’s new vision of its future.

Where once stood a symbol of aging infrastructure and vacant land, Unity Square Park is now emerging as a successful example of what is possible when local government, fundraising efforts and community values come together. The rebirth of the park is not just a series of building projects. It is the expression of Trenton’s commitment to being a healthier, safer and more connected city.

Unity Square Park redevelopment began with Phase I, which was a long-overdue and genuine upgrade for area families. A freshly installed, new playground now takes the place of the old, rusty playground equipment, offering children a safe and enjoyable area in which to play and grow.

“We’ve heard from the kids in our neighborhood, the dreamers who one day hope to be soccer stars, and we’re proud to create a space where they can come together, play and grow. This mini-pitch isn’t just a place to practice; it’s a safe and welcoming space where children of all ages can build confidence, make memories, and have fun,” Mayor W. Reed Gusciora previously stated in an interview with Trenton Journal in November 2024.

Phase II, completed in November 2024, added the opening of a $280,000 mini-pitch soccer field, made possible through the help of the American Rescue Plan. The field is LED-lit and features an artificial turf surface, fenced in with goals, benches and secure storage. This part of the project shows the community that the city is prioritizing the residents of Trenton, especially the children.

The opening of the field was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an exhibition soccer game that drew in residents, city officials and local athletes. Councilwoman Jennifer Williams told to Trenton Journal at the time, “Soccer is the fastest-growing sport, and it is so important to have a place where children can practice the sport. As a kid who grew up in this city, we have more things for the children to do today than my generation ever dreamed of, and that is due to Mayor Gusciora, and everyone involved. I know all my council colleagues are just as ecstatic as I am about the upgrades at this park.”

Up next on the agenda is Phase III, taking place later in 2024, to redistrict the park’s landscape. Overgrown areas will be cleaned up, grassy land will be reseeded and deteriorated asphalt walkways will be repaired. Not only will the area be more attractive but also more accessible to all, including the disabled and elderly.

Phase IV will be a final push, completed by spring 2025, toward the way the park serves the community. The existing baseball field will be redesigned as a typical soccer field to accommodate increased demand from city leagues and recreational players. Soccer’s increased popularity in the city has prompted this strategic plan, in conjunction with Trenton’s desire to be hospitable to the many sports interests of its residents.

Simultaneously, Phase V will begin a full renovation of the Unity Square Park Community Center. This vital community center in the neighborhood will be covered and provided with interior renovations, transforming it into a multipurpose facility that is suitable for use in conducting meetings, educational programs and community events. Upon completion, the center will be both a literal and figurative roof over several community-driven initiatives.

While Unity Square Park is a showpiece, it is merely one piece of a much greater puzzle. Citywide park revitalization is in progress through the department of recreation. A total of 26 playgrounds will receive badly needed facelifts, including new play equipment, fencing and improved safety features, so that city neighborhoods will experience those benefits as well.

Trenton’s emphasis on mobility and connectivity is also evident in its trail development efforts. With the support of a $2.09 million grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the city will shortly complete the Marine Terminal Trail and Cooper Field Connector. The trails will be both utilitarian and recreational, and they will foster healthy lifestyles without car dependence.

In an even more ambitious undertaking, the Assunpink Greenway Project is poised to transform the cityscape. Trenton is also turning ecological liabilities into community assets with its redevelopment of nearly 100 acres of defunct industrial land into a single giant public park. The new greenway will feature a skatepark, futsal courts and nature trails, while simultaneously aiding flood control, wildlife biodiversity and air quality.

Each of these projects plays a key role in realizing the Trenton250 Master Plan, a long-term development strategy guiding the city toward its 250th anniversary in 2042. The plan emphasizes investments in public spaces, infrastructure, transportation, arts, and environmental sustainability, with a central focus on equity and access.

For the people of Trenton, this is a vow to the members of the community to create a city where families can thrive, where kids can play without fear, and where neighborhoods reflect the respect and hopes of those who call them home.

Trenton’s revitalization remains a benchmark for cities around the country. By pairing federal resources with local initiative and citizen activism, the city has avoided one-size-fits-all solutions for more responsive, neighborhood-specific strategies. This conscious focus on place-based development, where parks, trails and rec centers are seen as part of the rich fabric of city life, makes Trenton a model for inclusive renewal.

As Unity Square Park nears completion of its revitalization, the park’s impact is already visible. And, for many Trenton families, the impact can be felt. It’s in the laughter of children on the new playground. It’s in the shouts of soccer players beneath new bright lights. And it’s in the conversation of neighbors who are beginning to look at their park, and their city, in a new light.

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