Audubon officials have unveiled an ambitious new vision for the borough’s public park on Hampshire Avenue, outlining a multi-phase investment that would reshape the site into a modern, family-friendly gathering space while dramatically improving pedestrian access and neighborhood safety.

During a special public meeting this week, borough leaders presented preliminary plans for a comprehensive revitalization project estimated at approximately $900,000, a figure that reflects both long-term infrastructure needs and a growing demand for high-quality outdoor recreational space in one of Audubon’s most heavily used community corridors.

The proposed improvements are being prepared in advance of a forthcoming grant application, which municipal officials hope will offset a significant portion of the project’s overall cost and accelerate the timeline for construction.

The Hampshire Avenue park has long served as a neighborhood hub for families, youth sports, and casual recreation, but borough leaders acknowledged that much of the site’s equipment, layout, and accessibility no longer reflect how residents use public space today. The new plan focuses on creating a more inclusive, flexible park environment designed to accommodate children, caregivers, older adults, and visitors with mobility challenges.

According to the presentation shared with residents, the revitalization will be rolled out in carefully sequenced phases to minimize disruptions while ensuring the most critical safety and accessibility improvements are delivered first. The initial phase is expected to prioritize circulation, pathways, and site flow—elements that determine how safely and comfortably people can move through the park.

One of the most impactful components of the overall project is a coordinated traffic and pedestrian safety upgrade scheduled to begin this spring. These improvements will focus on the streets surrounding the park, where vehicle speeds and limited crossing infrastructure have long been a concern for families walking to and from the site.

Planned roadway enhancements include improved crosswalk visibility, traffic-calming measures, and pedestrian-oriented design features intended to slow vehicles and clearly define pedestrian priority zones near park entrances. Borough officials emphasized that the goal is not simply to beautify the park itself, but to create a safer approach to the park—particularly for children, seniors, and residents arriving on foot or by bicycle.

Community feedback has played a central role in shaping the project’s direction. At the special meeting, residents were invited to review conceptual layouts, ask questions about construction timelines, and offer input on how the park is used throughout the year. Families shared the need for more age-appropriate play structures, shaded seating, and open areas that allow for both informal recreation and organized programming.

The current plan proposes modernized playground equipment designed to support a broader range of physical abilities, encouraging inclusive play for children with varying mobility and sensory needs. Expanded seating and gathering areas are also being considered to give parents and caregivers clear sightlines while providing comfortable places for rest and social interaction.

In addition to play areas, borough officials outlined concepts for upgraded landscaping, improved drainage, and refreshed surface materials that would extend the park’s usable season and reduce maintenance challenges. These behind-the-scenes infrastructure upgrades, while less visible, are expected to significantly improve long-term durability and reduce the likelihood of weather-related closures.

The Hampshire Avenue project reflects a wider shift underway across South Jersey and the state as municipalities rethink how local green spaces serve public health, social connection, and neighborhood identity. Parks are increasingly viewed not only as recreational amenities, but as essential community infrastructure that supports mental wellness, physical activity, and civic engagement.

Audubon’s initiative aligns with broader efforts highlighted through