By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that on May 27, the long-awaited grand opening of the County’s newest pocket park on Fayette Street in Perth Amboy was celebrated.
The Fayette Street Pocket Park, developed through a collaborative partnership between the County and the City of Perth Amboy, features a variety of amenities, including a grand gazebo, picnic areas, outdoor chess tables, charging stations, bike racks, benches, a stage with a projector screen, solar-powered lighting, a digital sign, and landscaped areas for community use, MCPO officials say. 
According to Middlesex County officials, pocket parks are small, green outdoor spaces that serve as a sanctuary for residents in urban communities to relax, socialize, and engage in passive recreation.
Fayette Street Pocket Park is in a residential area near a senior community, making it accessible for community engagement, promoting residents' mental well-being, and enhancing the city's overall environmental sustainability, MCPO authorities stated. 
Sharing the significance of this pocket park project for the community of Perth Amboy and the County, speakers included Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Middlesex County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba, and New Jersey Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez.
"Fayette Street Pocket Park stands not only as a new beautiful space in the City of Perth Amboy for residents, but it is also a testament to the power of collaboration between the County, Mayor Caba, and his dedicated team, working together to fulfill a need to expand access to green, outdoor spaces," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
"The development of Fayette Street Pocket Park is another example of Middlesex County's long-standing commitment to creating and preserving parks and open spaces throughout the County," said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, Chair of the County's Infrastructure Management Committee.
“The Fayette Street Pocket Park is a meaningful investment in the quality of life for our residents. It was designed as a space where families, seniors, and neighbors can come together, enjoy the outdoors, and feel part of the community,” said Mayor Helmin J. Caba.
“The benefits of outdoor spaces, no matter the size, are invaluable, and with today’s ribbon cutting, we celebrate yet another addition to Perth Amboy’s many open spaces and recreational amenities,” said New Jersey Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez.
In November 2021, according to MCPO officials, Middlesex County and the City of Perth Amboy announced plans to transform the former County Department of Public Works garage on Fayette Street into a pocket park.
Middlesex County officials said the County's investment of over $1.7 million in this pocket park is part of a long-term vision to not only beautify Middlesex County but also preserve and create green spaces and farmlands, ensure a sustainable environment, and improve the quality of life for future generations.
For more information on Middlesex County parks and recreation, please visit: middlesexcountynj.gov.