Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Hangry_Heart t1_j537sbf wrote

It's more like "so heavily trafficked it's all dead." Would need to rope off and replant to come back from that.

121

Delicious_Adeptness9 t1_j539n8p wrote

NYC has had success with that. Washington Square Park and Carl Schurz Park uptown comes to mind.

19

parqlife OP t1_j53b5os wrote

It stands out when you see how well maintained the dog park, tennis courts, basketball court and playground are that the landscaping is let go so far. Reseeding and a fence up for a few months in designated areas works in most parks.

−21

moobycow t1_j53brt2 wrote

They fenced and reseeded not that long ago. It's just way over capacity. To keep it alive they probably need to just rotate closed sections forever.

26

yovman t1_j55e6oo wrote

Yea I haven’t lived there in years and this was always a problem back then, they’d have large sections fenced off to let the grass regrow and the second it does, people stomp all over it again. It just doesn’t stand a chance.

5

YetiSherpa t1_j5a1dhc wrote

They fenced and reseeded for, I think, 3 months. Not nearly enough time to refresh a lawn. Also, within the 3 months the fence was constantly broken and kids had playing or people picnicking on a nice day. It was destined for failure.

−1

mickyrow42 t1_j53t4rp wrote

when?? been here 6+ don't recall that happening. maybe very small patches around trees or for drainage issues

−3

moobycow t1_j54qkxi wrote

It was certainly.more recent than 6 years ago, they did both of the now dead sections, one after the other.

6

mickyrow42 t1_j553mz4 wrote

zero recollection of that. But clearly question of competence if they did. Sections should be railed off and designated no play zones.

−7

YetiSherpa t1_j5a1kpb wrote

They definitely fenced a reseeded two areas a few years ago. The middle section on west side and the southeast section. About 3 months each. Didn’t make any difference.

3

mickyrow42 t1_j5an8k5 wrote

Right that’s clear. Don’t get why people so offended by questioning the job done. Like why do it if you’re just going to allow it to be trampled immediately after? No long term planning or foresight.

0

Iamdonewithusernames t1_j58pyn5 wrote

23 years here. Take the dust bowl over the needles and homeless of years past. They have reseeded and barricaded many times. It’s heavily shaded and heavily used. Grass doesn’t stand a chance.

2

mickyrow42 t1_j53syi6 wrote

been saying this for a while. HP assoc really doesn't seem to give a shit -- very heavily in service to the yuppy children for sure.

−21

gigiwasabi_jc t1_j5508gg wrote

The grass and landscaping is a topic at almost every meeting. Have you ever attended?

12

moobycow t1_j5512em wrote

Seriously, this whole board is always full of people wondering why difficult and costly problems exist and also bitching about taxes.

As if the people who take their time to work on the neighborhood park aren't aware or it, haven't tried to re-seed recently and are just sitting on piles of sweet, sweet park money and laughing about their big grift.

8

mickyrow42 t1_j55343i wrote

Nope sure haven’t. But I’ve lived on the park for 6 years and find that to be surprising. Wouldn’t know it from the state of things.

−11

jcdudeman t1_j53ze9z wrote

You could read this State of the Park report: http://www.hamiltonparkconservancy.org/state-of-the-park-2020/

Or watch this HPNA presentation last October by a horticulturist at the 12:45 mark: Link in main page of https://hpna.wildapricot.org/

In summary, the soil is too compact and dead because of heavy foot traffic and the thick canopy blocking out all the sunlight. The solution then is to prune, aerate soil, and sod. Grass that could withstand human activity needs lot of sun. City needs to determine the scope of the project, put out a proposal, then get contractors to bid. After all that, work could only be done in warmer weather.

What you can do: Reach out to the mayor's office to get him to prioritize this. HPNA could only legally do so much; the rest is up to the City.

83

TrumpsBadHombres t1_j54votd wrote

So interesting about the ground being so compacted! I always knew there was some reason - but now I know the reason! Thank you

6

Mission-Trouble7900 t1_j56odqs wrote

You provide links with information, give a summary on the topic and provide an answer to fix the issue. You should be in politics, would get more done for the country

6

mickyrow42 t1_j554jkr wrote

> …most of the trees in Hamilton Park are suffering from serious issues that either indicate or significantly impact their overall health and condition. Almost every tree exhibits some degree of fungal infection, a number of trees have open cavities and cankers, and both girdling roots and root rot symptoms have been observed.

ewww our trees have cankers. after skimming this report I guess just be glad there’s any living plant life. Also watch out for falling diseased branches.

5

mooseLimbsCatLicks t1_j5890qt wrote

wtf? “. In the remediation plans of 2008, it was determined that no soil capping was necessary for the contamination in these areas since the future turf would grow thick and protect the public from any contaminants while holding the new, clean topsoil in place. However, due to complete turf decline, this protection no longer exists, and it is evident that a significant amount of that topsoil has been washed away by erosion. (It should be noted as well that as an added protection after remediation, to preserve the grass, these areas of the Park were designated for passive recreation only - a guideline that has never really been observed by the community or successfully enforced.)”

The soil is contaminated?

5

mickyrow42 t1_j5d53ww wrote

This report is wild—the entire park seems to be in a state of near ecological collapse.

1

kdk324 t1_j53qaac wrote

Honestly if it’s due to foot traffic and kids a recess i rather have it look ugly and be useable than it be roped off to look better.

Guess happy medium there would be to replace with turf but i don’t know how that would 1, effect the trees, and 2, effect the general environment. No idea if it is bad at all but I’ve definitely feel like I heard it ain’t great somewhere. Maybe a Snapple cap fact lol?

Either way think it’s good to have some parks that can be used for more stuff beyond a view and I think Hamilton does that well plus has the skyline view anyway.

40

Manders44 t1_j57tzpo wrote

It’s not good that the soil is compacted. The park is for everyone, not just the kids. A better solution might be to give them an area to run around (although a large part of the park is already dedicated to a playground) and then put down more resilient ground cover than grass.

2

kdk324 t1_j5f4wza wrote

Yeah but not just kids can run around. I like the idea of being able to bring a beach towel and bringing food with a friend kinda deal. During off hours adults can also use the space for physical activity as well whether that be yoga or something like that. I would say tossing a frisbee around or something similar too but the park is usually too crowded and that would probably be a great way to pollute the Hudson even more lmao.

Although if it’s environmentally bad to be packed in I also get that but I have no idea.

1

PICHICONCACA t1_j54spad wrote

The should take out the grass and just put down clovers.

19

SyndicalistCPA t1_j56ce7r wrote

Came to say this. Should use very native plants like clovers which is beneficial to the soil and other plants. Shit, just throw random wildflower seeds too.

10

Manders44 t1_j59jd6y wrote

The park frankly looked beautiful when it was closed during the early months of the pandemic, and the wild groundcover and grass grew unchecked for a while.

2

bindrosis t1_j53hjns wrote

I like the idea of closing off sections at a time to give it a chance to grow back. At the end of the day, the amount of kids who use that park for recess is very high so it will never flourish

16

Chilltopjc t1_j53fw2r wrote

Traffic but also shade. Grass needs sun and there isn’t any there.

15

Hangry_Heart t1_j53o58i wrote

There are plenty of grasses that can be grown under a little shade. It's had decent grass before.

3

mooseLimbsCatLicks t1_j55et5e wrote

Because it’s the de facto park of downtown and jersey city. People from all over come to use it. Schools use it as their playground because the schools don’t even have playgrounds

It’s a wonderful park and kids need to play.

12

Manders44 t1_j57u1d6 wrote

It won’t be a wonderful park if all of the plants die.

−1

Iamdonewithusernames t1_j58s4p8 wrote

https://www.cnn.com/style/amp/lawns-american-yard-us/index.html

2

iSkyscraper t1_j55933k wrote

This is an easy one. Cities like New York learned long ago that you cannot maintain grass without management in dense urban areas. Dogs especially destroy open lawns, but so do all kinds of heavy use, especially in the off-season.

If you look at spaces like Madison Square Park, the grass is entirely fenced off with mesh and stakes and specific gates are opened (and rotated) to enable use of the lawn at appropriate times. Hamilton Park lacks those barriers and this is the result.

10

EatMorePi t1_j53k1pi wrote

They’d be better off intentionally converting one or two of the lawns to a dirt playing field. Then maybe more people would stay off the grass parts.

8

driftingwood2018 t1_j55c2ul wrote

Terrible soil that doesn’t drain, just pools water, high season (summer) grass is under massive canopy from trees which results in thin weak rooted grass and high foot traffic.

8

Other_Currency2345 t1_j53mmfd wrote

I don't know but I grew up around that park in the seventies and the grass was always green, Kids have always played in that park. I have never seen it look like that.

6

Britinnj t1_j53oqu1 wrote

It seems like half the daycares and playschools in JC use it for recess, which I'm guessing didn't happen in the past? Once the weather is nicer, there must be well over 100 kids from different places using it at certain times. And they're often digging up rocks/ playing in mud/ using sticks to tear at the turf, so the grass has no chance at all.

15

noncovidcpugh t1_j54uy1k wrote

Always* I got toddlers too but the way some of these more “nature friendly” daycare/preschool kids play is kinda ridiculous. They reseeded a pretty large section this past spring and the kids from one of the fancy preschool were literally ripping the grass apart. For an hour straight.

5

Manders44 t1_j57u758 wrote

It’s likely because over decades the soil became compacted for exactly that reason: kids running over it for years.

2

mickyrow42 t1_j53svzw wrote

Everyone saying it's because it's winter -- it's not. It's the same in the summer -- just a vast dirt lot basically. 100% because the entire park is treated as a playground by families and the actual schools in the area.

HP neighborhood association does some great things, but this has been a big failing for a long while. Sections should be blocked off and remediated and then only certain areas should be reserved for the kids to trample. Yes, I get it your wonderful special little cherubs deserve to run and jump and play but also some people like to sit out in the park on actual grass, not hard compacted dirt.

I’ve also mentioned a few times the landscaping in general is pretty lackluster compared to a park like Van vorst which is very lush and vibrant. HP is just—open dirt. We have plenty of space for more planters and small garden areas with seating etc.

5

oatmealparty t1_j554j7e wrote

Van Vorst also has like, zero grass though.

6

mickyrow42 t1_j555wzi wrote

Def not huge open lawns but there are sections. point was more just van vorst feels very alive and lush with its little paths and nooks and crannys of greenery. Even with canopy as thick as ours it’s in way better shape and pleasant to be in. Like a park.

6

marullos t1_j56ahzt wrote

The Landscaping at van vorst was, is, all done and maintaimed by volunteers. If people want more gardens in other parks, they have the option of volunteering to make it happen.

1

mickyrow42 t1_j56coab wrote

It may be maintained by volunteers but Van Vorst did a $2million renovation to bring in those elements; people didn't take it upon themselves to build in the fountain, gazebo, gardens and landscaping. You don't just volunteer and do what you want.

1

objectimpermanence t1_j57yphh wrote

Isn’t that park mostly maintained by the Van Vorst Park neighborhood association?

I’m pretty sure there’s an organized group of people donating time AND money to maintain that park unlike most others around JC.

Anyways, it’s interesting to compare different parks around the city. The layout of Lafayette Park is very similar to Hamilton Park, but it’s wayyy underutilized and usually feels empty and barren compared to Hamilton Park, which ironically means that it has nicer grass.

3

mickyrow42 t1_j5anwm4 wrote

Is it not fair to question why the HP association isn’t capable of bringing in the same sort of attention and money? We going to act like there’s no money in Hamilton park?

1

Iamdonewithusernames t1_j58sggw wrote

Are you new here? HP had a huge renovation to make it what you enjoy today that we were barricaded for years to use.

1

mickyrow42 t1_j5an16q wrote

Nope. Been in JC going on 15 years and HP 6+. When was this massive barricaded reno?

1

Iamdonewithusernames t1_j58ruc9 wrote

Interesting, a park being used by by families and schools in an urban environment?! How dare they!! What about the dog only sections, they’re no better and most people don’t want to plop down for a picnic or have their kids play in an area where dogs are shitting and running free. They’re just as bad. Lack of sun and overuse by ALL. Thank your demigod Fulop for over developing and not having any foresight into infrastructure.

1

mickyrow42 t1_j5amw5p wrote

Lol yes CHILDREN MUST HAVE FIRST RIGHTS TO ALL LAND AND NONE SHOULD QUESTION THE ALL IMPORTANT PROCREATORS!

2

Bh10474 t1_j53cyfc wrote

Dog pee kills the grass

4

coralseakava t1_j54yh1n wrote

Convert a portion of it into a calisthenics park.

4

coralseakava t1_j5zhjtz wrote

To this note ^ if anyone has interest in creating a proposal for a Calisthenics park within Hamilton Park or has knowledge of the process, please feel free to DM me.

1

metafus t1_j5c8crs wrote

when they had the park closed in 2020 it was able to grow back

3

superpuzzlekiller t1_j542w60 wrote

Old Man Hamilton is notoriously lazy when it comes to yard work.

2

Jersey-City-2468 t1_j579lqg wrote

What about just replacing areas for kid play with grass looking turf? Kinda like the dog park but for kids. Has to be better than the dirt

2

Good_Investment_3373 t1_j59cjx7 wrote

Too many trees blocking the sun light and they have tried over the years to seed it but between the birds eating the fresh seeds and all daycares bringing the kids into the park playing in the straw and seeds it's almost impossible a few trees would have to be removed and the area would to be fenced off for a year to allow the grass to grow

2

pixel_of_moral_decay t1_j5an8me wrote

So this looks worse than it is because it’s winter, grass is dormant and weeds that fill it out are dead above the surface.

Even with no care it will look quite a bit fuller by late spring.

2

Other_Currency2345 t1_j53wdck wrote

Lack of sun due to the trees lol. Those trees have always been there.

1

parqlife OP t1_j552q2x wrote

I get your point. But if that ground stays like that for much longer those trees will have to be be cut down. They’re already under a lot of stress and have large branches dead or breaking off.

2

LyndonBKinden t1_j566uct wrote

Yeah because people can't read the signs saying "no ball playing"

1

edgertor t1_j5kb7x9 wrote

my 2 cents: hamilton park would benefit from something van vorst park did a few years ago--making one section just for people who want to sit in the grass--i.e. no ball playing/no dogs.

so there's just one really NICE soft grass patch in van vorst. it's only about an 8th of the park, or less.

1

_homegrown t1_j53l4sq wrote

It's winter which means the grass is dormant. With people still tracking over it with dogs and kids, the grass is bound to be ripped out and not re-grow because it's dormant.

0

ManchurianPandaDate t1_j53qgbe wrote

The city probably has it zoned as a road so they don’t have to fix it

0

robocub t1_j555mve wrote

Seriously it’s parents who let there kids run rampant on the grass and there’s your answer. But ain’t no one gonna stop hat behavior even if this is the result.

0

Other_Currency2345 t1_j55710n wrote

Sad that they let it get to this point. It looks more like neglect.

0

whybother5000 t1_j53exqi wrote

Winter + neighborhood families kicking ball

−1

Beautiful-Abroad-293 t1_j54lxlb wrote

Lol, it’s filthy, wild it got that bad. Big ol bombed out trench of a park. Little piece of sniper alley to call our own.

−2

robocub t1_j550nnz wrote

It’s Winter 🤪

−3

parqlife OP t1_j555g2h wrote

I’ve seen it in summer. It looks almost as bad. And this has been the mildest winter in a while with no snow or significant frost. Grass should be somewhat green year round. Look at most New York City parks that are maintained.

3

anymanblue92 t1_j54ki0f wrote

Umm…..winter perhaps?!

−4

someguyfromnj t1_j53wtai wrote

It’s Jersey. Thats the best you’ll get. I am born and raised here, thats what we have. Go grab a slice of Rizzo and walk through Pershing field.

−5