by Jan Lazor

Created on: July 11, 2009   Last Updated: July 12, 2009

Liberty Park is Jersey City, New Jersey's green oasis among the metropolitan hustle and bustle of northern New Jersey. The park gives residents and visitors a grassy place to play and unwind as well as a gateway to boating and kayaking on the Hudson River.

Built across the river from Manhattan, Liberty Park offers visitors a unique opportunity few places can boast about. Meander along the 1.3-mile Liberty walkway at the eastern end of the park. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Statute of Liberty, Ellis Island and the New York City skyline. Day or night, the view is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Remember, Liberty Park opens at 6:00 a.m. It is the only place in New Jersey which offers ferry service to and from Ellis and Liberty Islands. The ferry runs all year long. Call 1-877-523-9849 for ticket information. Paid parking is available dockside.

Liberty Park is the recreational and education destination for more than 5 million people each year. If your visit is focused on exercise, you're in luck. Walking, jogging, biking, and roller blading are allowed on park trails. Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on their leash at all times.

Is relaxation your focus? Pack a picnic lunch and spend some time at the picnic and playground area at the southern end of the 1,212 acre park. Breezes blowing off the river make kite flying an ideal pastime any time of year. Frisbee is also popular. If you don't want to be active, simply lie in the grass and enjoy the blue sky and cumulus clouds floating overhead.

Education brings many visitors to the park. Programs at the Interpretative Center offer environmental and historical insights into the park. Open all year, programs are geared to folks of all ages, starting as young as pre-school children through adults. Most of the programs are free, but reservations are required. Call (201)-915-3409 to confirm your reservations.

Liberty Science Center sits at the western edge of Liberty Park and is the destination of bus loads of school children each year. Here students can experience how science impacts their world in a-hands on environment. This is a visit you don't want to rush since there is so much for young minds to watch and learn.

Admission is pricey if you want to experience the both the science center and its IMAX theater. Adult admission (this includes children over 13 years old) is $24.50 for both components. Children ages two through 12 are admitted for $18.50. Keep in mind children under age six are not permitted in the IMAX Theater so don't waste your money on the double ticket.

Liberty Park is the quintessential example of turning blighted property into green space. During the 19th and early 20th century, the riverfront was an industrial and transportation center. As manufacturing and transportation services changed, the industrial center waned.

As far back as 1958, Morris Pesin dreamed of turning the rusted manufacturing center into a park His dream became a reality on June 14, 1976. On Flag Day during the nation's bicentennial celebration, the residents of New Jersey dedicated Liberty Parkas a gift to the nation in honor of the country's 200th birthday.

Friends of Liberty State Park, a non-profit volunteer group, help support the beautification of the area through their dedication and donations of time and money.

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