By David Cruz
Correspondent
It was appropriate today that the organizers of the tough mudder competition were on hand to make a contribution to the Friends of Liberty State Park. Like the competitors in the 10-plus mile course, the Friends have been engaging in a battle to keep commercial development out of New Jersey’s most visited state park.
“We want a free open space park here for the public to enjoy,” said Sam Pesin, the battle-hardened president of the Friends. “This park is a real park and for periodic special events.”
Pesin – whose father is credited with creating this park – says competitions like tough mudder and the All Points West live shows from a few years back are acceptable temporary events that attract visitors, but are chosen by park staff. His fear is that the state, which recently put the department of environmental protection in charge of approving park development plans could try to pull a fast one. The state commissioned a study, which has been sitting on a desk somewhere for close to a year. It is said to contain a wide list of options.
“That has not been released yet,” noted Mayor Steve Fulop, “and we think it’s important to get out into the public to have a public discussion about it and anything that would change the character of the park needs to be pushed back.”
Among the projects rumored to be under consideration for the park are a hotel adjacent to the Central Railroad Terminal, a permanent amphitheater and a new marina. Supporters of the park says any of those options is a non starter.
“The public has spoken very consistently for 39 years that we don’t care what revenue is promised,” added Pesin. “We want Lady Liberty given to future generations.”
The DEP says the study is about making the park a destination for more people. “There is nothing set in stone as far as future enhancements to the park,” said a spokesman “This plan will be consistent with our sustainability goals while being respectful of the park’s important role in America’s history, and there will be a healthy public dialogue on any plan that is put forth.”
Lawmakers – including the Assembly Speaker – say they’ve tried to ensure that the park stay true to its origins, but they’ve left the state DEP in place as the final arbiter. Leaving something like the future of this park to the stewardship of state bureaucrats is something the Friends say they can’t afford to let happen.