To achieve, in partnership with others, a system of interconnected open spaces, whose protection will preserve and enhance New Jersey's natural environment and its historic, scenic, and recreational resources for public use and enjoyment.

The Green Acres Program was created in 1961 to meet New Jersey's growing recreation and conservation needs. Together with public and private partners, Green Acres has protected almost 640,000 acres of open space and provided hundreds of outdoor recreational facilities in communities around the State.

New Jersey is 4.8 million acres in size of which approximately 1.3 million acres are permanently preserved, 1.4 million acres are developed and 2.1 million acres are undeveloped. While some of these undeveloped lands are protected by existing environmental regulation, a significant portion remains unprotected and subject to development. Future unregulated development has the potential to increase sprawl, increase traffic congestion and associated greenhouse gas emissions, fragment existing plant and animal habitats, jeopardize water quality, conflict with smart growth planning and adversely impact the quality of life for New Jersey residents by limiting the availability of open spaces and parkland.

As residents of the most densely populated state in the nation, New Jerseyans have long supported open space preservation. This commitment is demonstrated through the approval of 12 statewide Green Acres ballot initiatives since 1961. These initiatives have generated a $3 billion investment in protecting our unique landscapes and natural resources, providing quality recreational opportunities, and preserving our heritage at historic sites across the State. Every statewide referendum put to our voters has passed, and, in addition, every county and 238 of New Jersey's municipalities have approved local tax referenda to preserve land and improve parks in their jurisdictions. This support is attributed to the simple fact that open space and parks provide benefits to all residents, regardless of socio-economic status. These tax referenda allow the State to partner with counties and municipalities in acquiring lands that protect critical water supplies and habitat for a wide range of special plants and animals. These programs also maintain the “Garden” in the Garden State by preserving farmland and safeguarding our unique and irreplaceable landscapes and historic sites.

Economic Stimulus

Quality open space and attractive recreational facilities in cities, suburbs, and other developed communities throughout New Jersey help to create an environment where people want to live and work.

Green Acres funding provides for the acquisition of land and the construction of parks throughout the State. This includes many parks that serve as cornerstones for redevelopment initiatives in our older suburbs and cities. Just look at the stimulating effect the public park and open space investment has had in places like Hoboken, Jersey City, Elizabeth and Camden. And, in addition to the obvious social value of having quality civic spaces in our communities, many construction jobs are created to develop or improve these parks. Just since the GSPT was approved in 1998, more than $250 million in park construction projects have been completed or are underway.

Many other technical jobs are supported by this funding as well, including land appraisers, surveyors, architects, engineers, planners, title searchers and others. Well planned acquisition and park development projects employ a wide variety of talented individuals to make them a success. Creating jobs by preserving land or building public parks, that then attract businesses which also provide jobs; this is a successful economic model, worthy of continuation.

We cannot overstate the importance of open space and recreation on the quality of life of New Jerseyans as well as visitors to this great State. We proudly promote New Jersey as the place to enjoy nearly every kind of recreation opportunity that exists. Our public lands provide for fishing, hiking, boating, skiing, birding, and generally soaking up the sun. Whether you want to “take me out to the ballgame” or get sand between your toes, New Jersey's public spaces provide countless ways to play.