James J. Braddock Park: Where Water 2030 Begins

Nestled in the heart of North Bergen, Hudson County, James J. Braddock Park isn’t just one of New Jersey’s largest green spaces; it’s the starting point of the Water 2030 initiative. With its historic lake, thriving ecosystems, and deep ties to the local community, this park reflects the very spirit of resilience, responsibility, and revival that drives our mission.

About the Park

  • The Lake at the Center

    At the park’s core lies Woodcliff Lake, a freshwater body with far more significance than meets the eye.

    Locals fish from its edges. Families walk its perimeter. Birds migrate through its trees. But beyond its beauty, this lake plays a role in our regional watershed, eventually feeding into the Hudson River itself.

    This lake isn’t just ours to enjoy, it’s ours to protect. What begins here flows far beyond.

  • Our River. Our County. Our Responsibility.

    The Hudson River wasn’t named the Manhattan River.
    It was named after Hudson County, our home.

    This matters. Because the James J. Braddock Lake, right here in North Bergen, is part of the system that flows into our river.
    That means protecting it isn’t just an environmental act, but an act of community pride.

    This is Hudson County’s river. Our stewardship matters. The water begins here, so must the change.

  • Why Braddock Park Matters to Water 2030

    We chose Braddock Park for more than its size or location. We chose it because it embodies our vision:

    - A local site with ecological value

    - A community touchpoint that’s familiar and loved

    - A living example of how small-scale action can ripple outward into rivers, policies, and futures

    This is Phase One of our journey. We’re proud it starts in a place that already means so much to so many.