Advocates Celebrate $7 Million in Budget Funding for Capital Park Construction

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Advocates Celebrate $7 Million in Budget Funding for Capital Park Construction

07/02/2025

by New Jersey Future

TRENTON, NJ, July 2, 2025—The Build Capital Park campaign is celebrating a major victory in the effort to create a long-envisioned civic park in the heart of New Jersey’s capital city. The newly adopted FY26 state budget includes a $7 million appropriation to advance construction of Capital Park thanks to the steadfast leadership of Senator Shirley Turner and legislative champions across both houses.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Senator Turner and her colleagues for their diligence in moving this project forward,” said representatives of the Build Capital Park campaign, a coalition including New Jersey Future, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Isles, Inc., and the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “This funding is a testament to the Senator’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing our capital city and creating a vibrant, accessible green space for all.”

Over the past two years, the State has allocated $3 million for planning and design, followed by a $5 million down payment for construction in FY25, and now an additional $7 million in FY26. These investments represent a generational opportunity to complete the vision of a signature urban park behind the State House that connects Trenton’s civic and cultural assets—from the State Museum and Old Barracks to the War Memorial and State Library—while serving residents, school groups, and workers with high-quality open space.

Yet despite this funding success, advocates are raising urgent concerns: the park design remains unfinished, and the public has yet to be engaged in the planning process.

“Capital Park was always intended to be shaped by the community,” said the coalition. “But the design has stalled, and time is running out. Without an immediate and public design process, the State risks missing its window to build this park in time for New Jersey’s 250th anniversary celebration of the American Revolution in 2026.”

In a renewed call to action, the coalition urges the Governor’s office to:

Direct the project manager to work with advocates and the State’s park designer to finalize a community-informed plan, and
Ensure the park can be constructed on time and within the budget already secured.

The groups emphasized that Capital Park is not just a park—it’s a symbol of Trenton’s civic renewal and a capstone to decades of investment in the State House complex.

“This park is Governor Murphy’s chance to leave a lasting legacy in New Jersey’s capital,” said the coalition. “We have the funding. We have the vision. Now we need to get it over the finish line. Let’s create a green space at our State House—one that reflects the pride, history, and future of New Jersey.”

The Build Capital Park coalition reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a partner in ensuring the design process moves forward with transparency, community input, and urgency.