JERSEY CITY, NJ — The Lincoln Park Driving Range is back and better than ever! Beautiful new state-of-the-art golf mats and tees are just a few of the upgrades at the newly renovated driving range to be operated by the Hudson County Improvement Authority. More than 30 minority youth golfers from Hudson County, including members of the newly formed Lincoln High School (Jersey City, NJ) Golf Team and their coach, joined County Executive Thomas A. DeGise, HCIA Chairman John L. Shinnick, HCIA Executive Director Norman M. Guerra and many other county officials to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the range on September 9, 2005.

Located at the intersection of Duncan Avenue and Route 1-9 in Jersey City (also known as Route 440), the familiar facility had fallen into disrepair under the management of its previous lessee. Golf Digest had recently rated the Old Lincoln Park Range 314th out of 314 golf facilities they surveyed nationwide!

Officials at the HCIA, in cooperation with the County of Hudson, stepped in and closed the facility down for several weeks in order to launch a major clean-up. As part of a cooperative effort, the HCIA and the Hudson County Parks Department cleared the property of overgrown weeds and brush. HCIA staff also restored the pro-shop interior with fresh coats of paint and new furnishings.

“The Lincoln Park Driving Range was badly in need of upgrading,” said HCIA Executive Director Norman M. Guerra. “The residents of Hudson County are now going to have the chance to really enjoy this convenient facility right off Route 440.”

“I am very proud that we’ve taken this proactive approach to restoring a facility that people of all ages can enjoy,” said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. “This is just the beginning of the work to bring affordable public golf to our residents and especially our youth.”

More exciting upgrades are scheduled for 2006 including a study to consider the feasibility of redeveloping a nine-hole course that was originally part of Lincoln Park, but has fallen into disrepair and been nearly forgotten.