(NEWARK, NJ) -- Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) has announced $3,550,000 in federal funding towards the “Lincoln Park Restoration Project”, which will provide a much needed face lift to the namesake community’s green space, Lincoln Park, a National Historic Register landmark that has served a wide array of the city’s residents for more than 300 years as one of Newark’s original colonial-era ‘Commons’ public gathering places – the South Commons – renamed as Lincoln Park to commemorate President Lincoln’s visit to the area in 1861.  

“I am personally grateful for Senators Booker and Menendez’s commitment to Newark’s ongoing revitalization and redevelopment, and to our shared vision of ensuring that the City’s long-time population will still have a place as change occurs,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Thanks to their advocacy and support, the redevelopment of Lincoln Park will not only enhance the economic vitality of the city, but will also provide affordable housing, additional employment opportunities, and enhanced access to the arts for our residents. Ultimately, this project will renovate and upgrade the historic Lincoln Park to accelerate reemergence of this historic neighborhood as an energetic, healthy and empowered arts and culture-centered community.”

“From upgrading our vital infrastructure to increasing access to affordable housing, to creating and expanding health programs that promote mental health care and combat the opioid crisis, the projects funded in this bill will provide major benefits to communities across New Jersey,” said Senator Booker. “These vital projects will create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and keep New Jersey families healthy and safe. I am proud to have fought to ensure this funding was included and am grateful for the organizations, community leaders, and elected officials who are working tirelessly to advance these critical initiatives. As these projects all across our state move forward, I’m excited to see the positive impact they will have on the quality of life of New Jerseyans.”

An 18-month Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) planning process that was a coordinated partnership effort between the City of Newark, the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) community development nonprofit organization, New Jersey DCA-NPP and other stakeholders has produced the Lincoln Park NPP Implementation Plan 2022-2026 to guide the arts and culture-centered economic revitalization of the Lincoln Park Neighborhood over the next five years.   The Lincoln Park Restoration Project is the transformational centerpiece of the planned reemergence of the Lincoln Park Neighborhood as an artistic, energetic, healthy and empowered community.  

“We are thankful to the City of Newark, State of New Jersey and our representatives U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) for including the City of Newark’s Lincoln Park community in its City of Newark list of priorities for funding” states Anthony Smith, executive director of Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, the anchor creative placemaking community development non-profit spearheading the neighborhood’s revitalization for the past 20 years.  “The park improvements will include infrastructure for arts, music and cultural programming and festivals; respite and seating areas; park restrooms and upkeep of green spaces for youth and families to play.  The upgrades of Lincoln Park will also enable more diverse programming for the park which will enhance vending and other economic opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses.”

Marcy DePina, executive director of the Newark City Parks Foundation adds “Newark’s downtown parks are integral to the social fabric of the city, offering historic green spaces, and opportunities to commune with nature. The beloved parks provide safe spaces for Newarkers and visitors to gather, recreate, and celebrate community and culture, while also playing a critical role in helping to sustain our environment."

The Lincoln Park Restoration Project also reflects and supports six of the Newark360 Master Plan’s eight Elements: Parks & Open Space, Historic Preservation & Cultural Assets,  Housing, Economic Development, Urban Design,  & Sustainability & Environment.