Schmidt's Woods Park in Secaucus NJ is under threat, this beloved area recognized as one of the only remaining wooded parks in Hudson County, is at risk of losing its essence of a forest and and preserve to the development of an addtional 3,200 square ft which will replace the grass and picnic tables leading to the forest with rubber flooring. This is not just a park; it is a refuge for diverse wildlife and a rare place for people to experience a rare wooded area and nature in a crowded and developed metropolitan area .

The development plan scheduled to to begin on February 5, 2025 is intended to build an all-inclusive playground to include equipment  for handicapped children . While a plan for an all-inclusive playground is certainly a worthwhile endeavor, Schmidt's woods already has a large infrequently used playground that has currently has plenty of space for new equipment.  To add the proposed addition space large amounts of grass  and picnic tables will need to to replaced with rubber matting thus altering the natural landscape leading up to the forest . 

In addition to Schmidts Woods  already having  currently an ample sized playground with room for additions , there are several other parks with full scale playgrounds  less than a mile away from Schmidts Woods that could be updated to become.all-inclusive. 

The construction project could disrupt the delicate ecosystem that thrives here, potentially leading to the decline of biodiversity in the region. In addition it could introduce toxic chemicals into the from the rubber and plastic used. 

Afterall the woods already  provide an irreplaceable opportunity to experience a real forest environment.

Please sign and share this petition to save our this special area and its inhabitants.