Pavilion, outdoor stage and food court planned for Carteret's Waterfront Park

CARTERET — A $1.5 million Middlesex County Open Space and Recreation Trust Fund Grant has been approved for recreational upgrades to the borough's Waterfront Park.

The planned improvements at Veterans Pier include construction of a 3,000 square foot covered pavilion, installation of a permanent outdoor stage, conversion of the current bandstand to a food court and grill and construction of restrooms, Mayor Daniel J. Reiman and Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Director Ron Rios announced.

“Carteret’s Waterfront Park and Veterans Pier have become a regional destination for recreation, concerts, festivals, and family fun year-round,” Reiman said. “Thanks in part to the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, our vision to bring a beautiful pavilion, food court, and stage for entertainment to the park will soon become a reality for families to enjoy for generations.”

The $1.5 million grant, which was approved by Middlesex County in March, is the latest of more than $250 million in grants that Reiman’s administration has fought to receive for Carteret.

“The borough of Carteret has been undergoing a dramatic revitalization, culminating with the new performing arts center that debuted in 2021. Now with this grant for recreational improvements to the Waterfront Park, Carteret will attract not only county residents but visitors throughout New Jersey and beyond to enjoy the rich culture, dining experiences and new recreational opportunities right here in my hometown,” Rios said. “It’s an exciting time for the county, we are making the right investments today to ensure that we have a thriving and resilient economy for sustained future growth.”

Borough news: Carteret gets final OK to begin building ferry terminal later this yearThis year Carteret also is scheduled to begin construction of a ferry terminal along the waterfront, north of the park, with service to Manhattan.

“We envision commuters utilizing the Ferry Terminal during the work week and returning to the park on the weekend with their families for recreational activities,” Reiman said. “The pavilion, food court, and stage will also be used at our annual Independence Day Festival, Latin Fest, and Concerts by the Bay series.”

For more information on all Carteret has to offer, visit Carteret.net.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Outdoor stage and food court planned for Carteret's Waterfront Park