Hackensack RiverWalk facts for kids
The Hackensack RiverWalk is a special pathway being built along the Newark Bay and Hackensack River in Hudson County, New Jersey. Think of it like a long, connected park or trail! This greenway will be about eight miles long. It follows the edge of the water as much as possible.
The RiverWalk will stretch from the southern tip at Bergen Point all the way north to the Eastern Brackish Marsh. It might even connect to the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in the future. Some parts of the RiverWalk are already finished, like existing parks and promenades that have been included. However, there are still some big sections that need to be built. It's important to know that this Hackensack RiverWalk is different from a similar path in the city of Hackensack; they are not connected or part of the same project. There's also a path on the other side of the river called the Meadow Path.
Contents
Where the RiverWalk Goes
The Hackensack RiverWalk will connect several towns and areas. It will pass through neighborhoods, business areas, and even nature spots. Some of these nature areas are part of the New Jersey Meadowlands. Along its way, the RiverWalk will go under many bridges and cross over several natural creeks.
Bayonne
In Bayonne, the RiverWalk will go along the Newark Bay waterfront. This area has a mix of shipping, industrial, and shopping places. There are also large parks here, but they aren't connected to each other yet. Rutkowski Park is a newer public green space in Bayonne. It's a special area for wetlands, which are like natural sponges for water.
Jersey City
The RiverWalk will continue into Jersey City.
- The path will run along Route 440 near the bay.
- The promenade at Droyer's Point, which sticks out into the bay, is already finished.
- Bayfront is a new community being planned. It will give people access to the shoreline.
- The Hackensack Riverfront area has space for a trail behind its facilities.
- Lincoln Park West is part of a very large Hudson County Park. It has important wetlands that are protected.
- There are plans for a new park called Marion Greenway Park.
- The northern part of the Marion Section has many train lines. The Hudson Generating Station also takes up a lot of space along the water.
- The Riverbend area has a small wetland preservation area near Penhorn Creek.
Secaucus
In Secaucus, the Secaucus Greenway is planned to connect the southern and northern parts of the town. When finished, this trail will let people walk along the river. It will also link shopping areas, offices, and homes in Secaucus. This trail will connect many places, including:
- Laurel Hill Park and its boat launch.
- Secaucus Junction, a main train station.
- Snipes Park.
- Secaucus High School and the Mill Ridge Ball Fields.
- Mill Creek Point Park and Mill Creek Marsh.
Some parts of the Greenway are already done. These include trails in Laurel Hill and a 1.5-mile path through the restored wetlands at Mill Creek Marsh. There's also a half-mile trail starting at Mill Creek Point Park.
North Bergen
In North Bergen, a trail is planned from Harmon Meadow Plaza. It will go through the Eastern Brackish Marsh, ending at 71st Street Park.
Interesting Places Along the Way
The Hackensack RiverWalk passes by many cool and important spots. Here are some of them:
- Bayonne Bridge: A very large bridge connecting Bayonne to Staten Island, New York.
- Newark Bay: The large body of water the RiverWalk follows.
- Shooters Island: A special island in the Kill Van Kull that is a bird sanctuary.
- Arthur Kill Vertical Lift Bridge: Another impressive bridge that lifts up for ships.
- Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal: A very busy port across the bay where many goods arrive and depart.
- Newark Liberty International Airport: A major airport visible across the bay.
- Rutkowski Park: A protected wetlands area in Bayonne.
- Droyer's Point: A point of land jutting into the bay in Jersey City.
- Bayfront: A new community being built with access to the waterfront.
- Lincoln Park West: Part of a large county park with important wetlands.
- Pulaski Skyway: A famous, old highway bridge that crosses over the area.
- Snake Hill: Also known as Laurel Hill, a unique hill that was once the site of an asylum. A rare mineral called Petersite was found here.
- Field Station: Dinosaurs: A fun park with dinosaur models.
- Mill Creek Marsh: A restored wetland area with a boardwalk.
- Harmon Meadow Plaza: A large shopping and entertainment complex.
Images for kids
-
Newark Bay in Jersey City and Bayonne
-
The Hackensack River in Secaucus (left)
-
Bergen Point from Bayonne Bridge
-
Riverbend Wetlands
_along_the_border_of_Kearny_and_Secaucus,_New_Jersey.jpg)
