Pershing Field facts for kids
Pershing Field is a special place in Jersey City, New Jersey. It's like a big town square and a park all in one! Located in a part of the city called the Heights, this park is about 13.5 acres big. That's like 10 football fields! It sits right next to Jersey City Reservoir No. 3. Together, they form a huge open space for fun and nature. The park is surrounded by Summit Avenue, Central Avenue, and Manhattan Avenue.
How Pershing Field Was Created
This area was first meant to be a water reservoir. It would have been part of the water system connected to Reservoir #3. But in 1918, plans changed. The space was instead designed to be a park. It was first called Reservoir Park.
The park officially opened in 1919. It was used for sports like track and field. People also came for other relaxing activities. A famous landscape architect named Charles N. Lowrie designed the park. He also designed other well-known parks nearby. These include Lincoln Park and Stephen R. Gregg Park.
In 1922, the park was officially named Pershing Field. It was named after General John J. Pershing. This was because the land was used for military training during World War I. General Pershing was invited to the opening ceremony. But he couldn't make it and sent a letter saying sorry. The park kept hosting track meets into the 1930s. Famous athletes like Stanisława Walasiewicz and Babe Didrikson Zaharias competed there.
Honoring Heroes at Pershing Field
Over the years, Pershing Field has become a special place to remember soldiers. It honors those who served our country since World War I.
Near Summit Avenue, you can see a large arch. It is made of reddish stone. This arch is the only part left of an old building. That building was the Fourth Regiment Armory. It used to stand where Hudson Catholic Regional High School is now. The arch was moved and rebuilt in Pershing Field in 1941. Later, it was named a historic site in Jersey City.
Close by, there are plaques honoring important leaders. These include Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague. There is also one for New Jersey Governor A. Harry Moore.
A statue called America Triumphant also stands in the park. It was designed by James Novelli. This statue remembers 147 people from Hudson County. They lost their lives during World War I.
Other monuments honor U.S. military members. There is a memorial for the Korean War. It was dedicated on November 11, 1998. The Jersey City Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on May 28, 2001. All along the walking paths, you'll find small stone markers. They have plaques with the names of veterans from both World Wars. The Heights Vietnam Veterans Memorial Community Center opened in 1986.
Fun Activities at Pershing Field
On the Central Avenue side of the park, there are many places to play. You can find a track for running. There are fields for baseball and courts for tennis. The park also has a swimming pool and a skating rink. For younger kids, there is a playground at the south end of the park.
