Hackensack Breaks Ground on $3.5M Indoor Sports Complex at Johnson Park

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, after nearly a decade in the making, construction is officially underway on a state-of-the-art 70,400-square-foot indoor sports complex in Johnson Park, set to provide year-round access to youth sports and recreational activities for Hackensack residents.

The project, located on the 20-acre park at 452 River Street, broke ground last week and is expected to be completed by July 2026, according to city officials.

Years in Planning, Now a Reality

First approved in April 2016, the long-anticipated facility reached a key milestone in March 2025 when the Hackensack City Council approved a $3.49 million construction contract with Paterson-based Grade Construction. Nearly all project costs will be funded through municipal bonds, confirmed City Manager Vincent Caruso.

“The city wanted an indoor facility that kids could use and practice in year-round,” Caruso said. “Weather is a real factor in the Northeast, and this space will support youth development, fitness, and safety in all seasons.”

What Will the Facility Include?

The new sports center will feature a steel frame with a fabric roof, built on the park’s north side near the river, behind the greenhouse. Amenities and layouts will include:

• One full-size indoor soccer and football field, convertible into four smaller fields

• A full-length multi-purpose field with two baseball diamonds marked on turf

• A wrestling room with full-size mat

• Concession stand and spectator seating area

• Office space, equipment storage, and a new adjacent parking lot

Community Access and Revenue Potential

While Hackensack’s Recreation Department and school district will have first priority for using the facility, officials anticipate high interest from regional sports leagues, clubs, and private groups seeking rental access.

“We expect strong demand for rentals,” Caruso said. “This facility will generate revenue for the city and potentially pay for itself over time.”

Johnson Park’s Historic Legacy

Johnson Park, donated to the city in 1930 by George and William Johnson, also includes a playground, tennis courts, soccer field, open fields, and a riverside walking path. Though the land was once subject to a lawsuit in the 1980s over its use, the city retained ownership following a court ruling.

Mayor: “An Investment in Hackensack’s Future”

Mayor John Labrosse hailed the project as a transformational step for Hackensack’s youth and families:

“This project has been years in the making, and we’re proud to finally see it moving forward,” Labrosse said. “Once complete, it will provide year-round access to high-quality recreational space that our community truly deserves.”

📍 Location: Johnson Park, 452 River St., Hackensack, NJ
📆 Estimated Completion: July 2026

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