Parks equal progress and provide new opportunities. Most of all, parks create communities.
That’s why the Camden Community Partnership was so delighted Thursday to be awarded $5.7 million in Urban Investment Fund Grants from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
The grants will fund five projects aimed at revitalizing several parks and a community building in Camden City. And the projects specifically aim to support economic development and care for public spaces to attract visitors, residents and students back to several of the city’s commercial corridors like Federal Street and East Camden.
“The city of Camden is teeming with opportunity and 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,” Commissioner Jeffrey Nash said. “We are extremely grateful that NJEDA sees the value in investing in projects such as these and we cannot wait to work with the City of Camden, Camden Community Partnership and our other community partners to transform this city into something spectacular.”
The projects that will be funded with the UIF grants are as follows:
Wiggins Waterfront Promenade: This $1 million project will install kiosks and converted shipping containers to create new commercial opportunities for local entrepreneurs and vendors. Improvements will include essential site and utility work, wayfinding, and public art, supported by a $300,000 match from the William Penn Foundation.
Sheila Roberts Park: Sheila Roberts Park will receive access improvements, upgraded plazas and sidewalks, enhanced safety features, and new family-friendly amenities. This project includes a $100,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) grant and a UIF investment of $548,734.
7th & Clinton Street Park: The 7th & Clinton Street Park will be receiving a new gazebo and corresponding entertainment space, playground equipment, recreational offerings, athletic and wellness, and other streetscape amenities. The project includes a $615,000 capital match from Camden County Parks and a $686,545.70 UIF allocation,
East Camden: CCP will renovate the community building at 2631 Federal Street, making it a commercial and community hub. This $3.3 million initiative is supported by $810,000 in secured matching funds, including $250,000 in NRTC funding, a $300,000 anonymous donation, a $260,000 grant from the Townsend Foundation and UIF providing the remaining $2.5 million.
Roosevelt Plaza Park: This project will install several kiosks to serve as food dispensing venues, plant trees and shrubs, and place benches and tables to allow for communal dining. Supported by a $50,000 contribution from the Camden Special Services District, this project received $1.1 million through UIF.
Camden City Mayor Victor Carstarphen obviously was thrilled.
“Parks are more than playgrounds and fields — they are places where memories are made, where friendships are formed, and where a community takes root,” he said. “We are firmly committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and our parks play a huge role in that endeavor. We are leveraging over $150 million dollars of investment already made in our parks.
“Thank you to the Camden County Board of Commissioners, Camden Community Partnership and to the NJEDA for this funding commitment. This will help bring a vibrant energy back to our open spaces.”
CCP created a revitalization strategy that seeks to improve the area through investment in public and private spaces to boost public access and utilization of parks and similar spaces. These projects were specifically crafted to respond to the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on Camden’s business sector; this included job losses, loss of foot traffic, and the closure of several businesses.
CCP CEO Dana Redd said the impact will be huge.
“We are deeply grateful to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for awarding Camden Community Partnership this transformative Urban Investment Fund grant,” she said. “This grant allows us to continue revitalizing our public spaces and commercial corridors in ways that reflect the strength, creativity, and resilience of our community. 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.”
State Sen. Nilsa Cruz Perez discussed how the investments accomplish several things.
“This investment will not only bring much-needed improvements to our parks and public spaces, but it will also help strengthen the economic and social fabric of Camden,” Sen. Nilsa I. Cruz Perez said. “These improvements will help bring life back to our parks and community spaces and will give residents and families places to connect and enjoy.”
Assemblyman Bill Moen explained how the funding coincides with the state’s dedication to supporting Camden on its path to success.
“This EDA funding demonstrates the State’s commitment to the City of Camden and reinforce the City’s remarkable progress,” he said. “Every dollar will support and elevate Camden’s outdoor spaces, local businesses, and community centers. I thank Camden Community Partnership for its tireless efforts and look forward to the completion of these five projects.”
Assemblyman William Spearman discussed how the projects signal a new chapter in Camden’s story.
“This significant investment from the NJEDA marks a major milestone for Camden,” Spearman said. “These projects will not only enhance our parks and public spaces, but also spark economic growth, support local entrepreneurs, and create vibrant, welcoming corridors throughout our city. I commend Camden Community Partnership for their vision and thank the NJEDA for recognizing the importance of investing in Camden’s future.”
