A ceremony was held recently to commemorate the newly completed Phase II improvements of the Collins Park renovation project in Bayonne, New Jersey. Consequently, several city officials, residents, and even members of the Collins family were gathered at First Street and Avenue C.
Mayor Jimmy Davis referred to the project’s $4 million second phase as the crown jewel” of Bayonne. During a tour of the area, the mayor mentioned some features included in the project’s first and second phases. He gave more details on the initial phase of the Collins Park renovation project which was completed in 2018.
Several improvements were included at the park such as the renovated tennis courts and volleyball court. On top of that, a new playground and exercise equipment was installed. The project also added new dog runs, trees, and landscaping to the park.
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Development of Phase II of the Collins Park renovation project
Picerno-Giordano Construction of Kenilworth awarded the contract for the second phase in May of 2021. Now that Phase II of the Collins Park renovation project has been completed, the park has even more upgraded facilities.
These new additions include a multi-purpose elevated seating area, roller hockey rink, and playground for kids from two to five years. In addition, a second playground was also provided for children from five to 12 years of age. Other new amenities include the basketball courts, an exercise, and training area as well as newly installed benches and tables. This new phase also added more trees, landscaping, and a large gazebo to the park.
The Collins Park renovation project still has a few more phases left before it’s finally complete. According to Mayor Davis, the next phase of the project will be west of Gorman Field. He also mentioned a fourth phase which would upgrade the easternmost section of the park, near Brady’s Dock. However, Davis also pointed out that these phases would be done only if the city can find the money.
Neil Carroll, a First Ward Council Member who was also present at the opening praised the Collins Park renovation project. Carroll said he was so filled with joy after seeing the park renovations. Especially since the park meant so much to him when he was younger. He reminisced about the fun times he had at the park with friends and described the new improvements as magic.
