Mary Benson Park

For those of us living in Jersey City, New Jersey, Mary Benson Park serves as an important local green space, offering a dedicated area for recreation and outdoor activity in the heart of the city. While Jersey City boasts a diverse array of parks, Mary Benson Park provides essential amenities for its immediate neighborhood, particularly catering to families and local sports leagues. Its presence is a testament to the ongoing commitment to providing accessible public spaces for all residents, allowing for a vital connection to nature and opportunities for play and exercise amidst the urban landscape.

Mary Benson Park has a notable history, being named in honor of Mary Hudspeth Benson, a prominent Jersey City social reformer and child advocate from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was instrumental in advocating for recreational facilities for impoverished children, and this park, along with its athletic fields, was named for her, underscoring its long-standing role in serving the community. Although some public data indicates that parts of what was once known as Mary Benson Park may have been renamed to Roberto Clemente Park, the core area around the playground and fields continues to be recognized and utilized as Mary Benson Park by locals. It remains a key component of Jersey City’s recreational infrastructure, supported by the city's Department of Recreation & Youth Development, which aims to provide varied programs and facilities for all ages throughout New Jersey.

Mary Benson Park is located in Jersey City, NJ 07302, specifically at the intersection of 3rd Street and Merseles Street. This places it within the Historic Downtown/Village area of Jersey City, a vibrant and rapidly developing part of the city. Its proximity to these streets makes it easily identifiable and accessible for residents in the immediate vicinity and those traveling from other parts of downtown.

While the park is situated near major roadways, including being "underneath the I-95/78 ramp that is 100 feet high" as one review notes, its design aims to create a distinct recreational zone. This location offers relatively convenient access for those using public transportation. The park is within a reasonable walking distance from several bus stops that serve the Downtown and Journal Square areas, connecting to various parts of Jersey City. For those utilizing the PATH train, the Grove Street PATH Station, a major hub for connections to Manhattan and other parts of Jersey City, is also within a manageable distance, making the park reachable by a brisk walk or a short bus ride.

It is important to note the specific directions for navigating to the park. As one reviewer mentioned, "don't follow Google Maps directions, it will take you to a bridge above the park and say you have arrived. Refer Apple Maps for correct directions." This highlights the importance of using reliable navigation and understanding the park's precise ground-level access points. Despite its urban setting and proximity to infrastructure, its central location within a residential and developing area makes it a key local amenity for residents of Jersey City, New Jersey.

Services Offered:

• Playground Facilities: Mary Benson Park features a playground area with equipment designed for children's play, offering a safe and engaging space for younger residents.
• Softball Field: The park includes a well-maintained softball field, suitable for practices and games, often rented out for local leagues and recreational use. The outfield grass can also be used for other field sports.
• Outdoor Basketball Courts: The park offers outdoor basketball courts, perfect for pickup games or organized play. These courts are regulation size blacktop courts and can be rented.
• Open Green Space: Provides general open grassy areas for passive recreation such as picnicking, relaxing, or casual outdoor activities.
• Recreational Programs: As a facility managed by the Jersey City Department of Recreation & Youth Development, the park supports various city-wide recreational programs, including potentially soccer and basketball leagues, that utilize its fields and courts.
• Field Permits and Scheduling: The park's softball field and basketball courts can be permitted and scheduled through the city's online Facilitron system, allowing organized groups to book time slots.

Features / Highlights:

• Dedicated Sports Facilities: A key highlight is its well-maintained softball field and outdoor basketball courts, providing valuable resources for active recreation and community sports leagues in Jersey City.
• Playground for Children: The presence of a playground ensures it's a family-friendly destination, offering a dedicated space for children to play and socialize.
• Urban Green Space: Despite its location near major roadways, the park offers a significant patch of green, providing essential outdoor relief in a dense urban environment.
• Part of City-Wide Recreation: Mary Benson Park is an integral part of Jersey City's broader recreational network, supporting municipal sports programs and community initiatives.
• Historical Significance: Named after Mary Hudspeth Benson, a notable Jersey City social reformer, the park carries a legacy of community advocacy and child welfare.
• Accessibility for Local Neighborhoods: Its location in the Downtown/Village area makes it conveniently accessible for residents living in central Jersey City.

Promotions or Special Offers:

As a public municipal park, Mary Benson Park itself does not typically offer commercial promotions or discounts. However, the Jersey City Department of Recreation & Youth Development, which manages the park, frequently provides valuable programs and initiatives that benefit New Jersey residents:

• Discounted Program Registration: Families who qualify as Low-to-Moderate-Income (LMI) are eligible for discounted registration rates for various recreational programs, such as soccer and basketball, that may utilize facilities at Mary Benson Park. Information and application for LMI status are available through the city's Facilitron or RecDesk online systems.
• Free Public Use: The park's playgrounds and open spaces are freely accessible to all residents during operating hours, offering cost-free opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and play.
• Seasonal Sports Programs: The city offers various spring and summer sports programs, including soccer and basketball, which are often affordable and utilize public park facilities like those at Mary Benson Park. Check the Recreation & Youth Development website for current season schedules and fees.
• Online Permitting System: The transition to the Facilitron system for field permits and scheduling aims to make the process more seamless and accessible for organized groups, ensuring fair and efficient use of the park's sports facilities.

For the most current information on program offerings, fees, and any available assistance, it is always recommended to visit the official Jersey City Department of Recreation & Youth Development website (jcrec.recdesk.com/Community/Home) and the city's Facilitron portal (www.facilitron.com/cityofjerseycity).

Contact Information:

Address: 3rd Street and Merseles Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA (as listed by the Department of Recreation & Youth Development)

General inquiries for the Jersey City Department of Recreation & Youth Development: While a direct phone number for the park is not available, the city's Recreation & Youth Development Department manages the park's facilities. For inquiries regarding program registration, field permits, or general park information, residents should refer to the official city resources:

• Main Department Contact: (201) 547-4449. This number is associated with the Jersey City Department of Recreation & Youth Development and can connect you to relevant staff.
• Official Website: The most comprehensive information is found on the Jersey City Department of Recreation & Youth Development website (jcrec.recdesk.com/Community/Home) and the Facilitron portal (www.facilitron.com/cityofjerseycity) for facility rentals and program details.

Conclusion: Why Mary Benson Park is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Jersey City, New Jersey, particularly those living in the Downtown and Village neighborhoods, Mary Benson Park is a highly suitable and essential local amenity. Its primary suitability stems from its dedicated facilities for active recreation, which are invaluable in a dense urban environment. The well-maintained playground provides a safe and engaging space for children to play, socialize, and burn off energy, making it a critical resource for families. Simultaneously, the presence of a softball field and outdoor basketball courts offers robust opportunities for sports enthusiasts and local leagues to engage in regular physical activity, fostering community spirit through shared athletic pursuits.

While the park's setting near major infrastructure may be a consideration for some, its urban location makes it highly accessible via public transportation and by foot for many residents. This convenience encourages consistent use, allowing locals to easily integrate outdoor activity into their daily routines without the need for extensive travel. Furthermore, its historical significance, named after a pioneering local advocate for children's welfare, imbues the park with a deeper sense of community connection and purpose. It represents a continuous effort to provide essential public spaces that contribute to the well-being and development of Jersey City's youth and adults alike.

The active management by the Jersey City Department of Recreation & Youth Development ensures that the facilities are maintained and that programs are available, further enhancing the park's utility for the community. For any New Jersey resident seeking a convenient, functional, and historically significant green space for play, sports, and relaxation right in the heart of Jersey City, Mary Benson Park stands as a valuable and suitable local resource. It serves as a vital component of the city's commitment to urban livability and active community life.

Mary Benson Park

Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA