Centennial Park to Create Gateway to Highland Park

As the yearlong centennial celebration of Highland Park continues, borough officials will soon break ground on Centennial Park, a project that will dramatically improve a dangerous intersection for residents at River Road and Raritan and Lincoln avenues.

“During the centennial year, we are creating a beautiful gateway into Highland Park,” said Mayor Meryl Frank.  “This park will be a special place that will let people know they ‘have arrived’ in Highland Park.”

Construction costs for the park are being funded entirely by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Middlesex County and the Fund for Highland Park.

“The intersection of Lincoln Avenue, Raritan Avenue and River Road is one that is regularly traversed by many pedestrians and cyclists,” said Police Chief Frank Kinney.  “Centennial Park will create a safe passage for our residents as they walk through a natural environment just steps from the Raritan River.”

Centennial Park will replace a former limousine lot that had become an eyesore in the midst of the revitalized downtown.  Borough officials are planning a massive tree-planting project to begin shortly after the project’s commencement; the park will bloom with a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers.

Centennial Park will represent the environmental sensitivities of borough residents, featuring a rain garden that will collect and filter rainwater from the street before it is discharged to the Raritan River.

A diverse group of residents have taken charge of creating a sign in Centennial Park welcoming people to Highland Park.  The sign will be easily visible for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians traveling east over the Albany Street Bridge.

“We are grateful to the many individuals whose talents are making Centennial Park a reality,” Frank said.  "Through the vision and dedication of our residents, we will soon have a gateway to be truly proud of.”  

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