I’m glad someone mentioned this. I completely agree and know exactly which group you’re talking about. Last Friday I counted the same group at 42. They make an incredible amount of noise as well. They are so loud I can’t have a phone call with my windows closed until after they leave. I usually end up making phone calls from my bathroom because it’s the only place I can get to without noise.

I was there when the kid banged his head. Poor kid cried so loud I ran out to see what was going on.

I think a line should be drawn between using this playground as a community, and turning it into a theme park. This group is too loud. And 2 adults are not capable of watching them.

To “concerned resident”: also noticed this group. Agree they are dangerous. Personally for me the biggest problem is the noise that comes with them. I measured them at 80 decibels from my property line. 55 decibels with my window shut. (55 decibels for a straight two hours though). Coupled with general noise the rest of the day, the playground which should bring us all joy is turning into a source of disruption and seriously effecting quality of life for more than a few of us here at Hamilton Park condominiums.

They have been giving me headaches.

Really hope there is something that can be done here

I think enforcing a ratio is reasonable and fair. Let’s not forget some families are large. We would not want a ratio enforced that excludes them. But 5 children to 1 adult sounds reasonable to me.

Maybe the town should hold a hearing on this topic because I know we’re not the only ones

It's a public park. The problem should be address to whoever is running the daycare/summer camp kids. I don't think the city have enough manpower to enforce it ( never mind checking parking permits). It should be the adults responsibility.

I think that also goes along with all the rules that are not enforced in the park. From the dog walkers and owners ignoring the "dog free" zones and the children playing in the fountain when there is a sign that states "do not play in the fountain" and they have the water park less than 100 feet away. There just seems to be a lack of consideration for rules.

There are signs posted with guidelines and rules at the splash pad and tennis courts. I believe the same can be done for the playground. I do agree with you that the adults should be more responsible. But as a community we can make a difference as well!

Wow! Glad to see we have some discussion going on this. That is great. I think that’s two largest concerns here are: safety and noise. The playground is usually fine on weekends in terms of noise and traffic. It’s during the week that it becomes unbearably noisy, and unsafe with such large groups and minimal supervision.. interesting comment on the decibel levels. I have been wearing ear plugs. My windows are old and the sound goes right through. Too expensive to get soundproofing. Most of the time I don’t mind the children playing though. But GEE do they get loud during the week.

Let’s hope we can at least get some signs posted! Hope we get more discussion going

Good morning residents,

This is a tough one so I will apologize in advance for how little I can do about this situation. As you know this is a public park. I have spoken to the resident who inputted this concern and have come to an agreement if he can get me the school's name I can try to reach out to suggest other options; more staff for the children, splitting the children into groups so they are not all there at the same time, maybe some can stay at the school playground and some at the park and then alternate daily (just a few ideas). Unfortunately, we cannot put signs up and Parks and Forestry does not have any rules regarding adult/child ratio at the park. In regards to the noise, usually noise is a police matter however I don't suggest calling the police as these are children and it's a public park.

I will wait for the resident to get back to me with the school's information and keep you updated with the conversation I have them. Please note, I will only make suggestions to the school as I cannot tell the school not to bring children to the park.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at 201-547-4900 or icruz@jcnj.org

Any update on school’s name? Can we talk more about the noise? I believe 80 decibels from the property line for 3-4 hour stretches nearly every day of the week is a violation of public quality of life codes for jersey city. Even if it is coming from children. The limit I believe is 65dba during the day for public spaces regardless of who is creating the noise. Slightly less at night hours. This playground should never have been built so close to taxpayer homes when we have so much space in the park where this playground could have been built instead.

@ Maurelius. How long you've been in the neighborhood? That park has been there since the beginning. Who would have thought that Downtown Jersey City will be as bad and congested as it is. I've been in the neighborhood since you were born. I'm also a taxpayer and never complained back then. Now I am complaining because the neighborhood has change big time and it's not for the better.

@Henry are you referring to the noise as well?

To answer your question: I have not been here as long as you but love the community in general. And overall have few complaints.

I suppose it makes sense the noise was not as bad when the playground was first built. Population has grown but the park has not grown.

every single day this summer and spring (except for when it rained) I had to wear earplugs in my own home because the noise has become a source of major stress. I love kids. It’s not about the kids. The noise on weekends when schools aren’t there is not bad at all. It’s just the high volume of children that come during the week and the fact that is it all day long every day of the week. There is no escape. There must be something that can be done. Maybe not now. But in the future.

From my research it seems 100% beyond regulation proposed for noise by the city itself. I think a long term study should be performed on noise levels here. They are not healthy

Like I said, the city is now congested. Just how many schools, day care centers, moms with kids, dog runs etc. Are around Hamilton Park. Not to mention people walking around 3 AM in the morning yelling at each otherThe city didn't expect it to be like this. That's why they don't have any plans at all. It's just build build for them.

Yes agreed. Can anyone recommend a channel to go through to have a discussion with the city? It’s a very sensitive topic. No one wants to limit children’s ability to enjoy our parks. But we should also consider the health and quality of life of those paying taxes and living nearby.

I can bring it up to the city in a sensitive way to get a discussion going. Anyone have a recommendation for proper outreach?

Hey everyone, thanks for the feedback. Currently away on business but will look into getting the school’s name and share it with Ivette when I return. In the meantime: did some research on the noise. NJCA 7:29:1.2 does set limits to noise in playgrounds. If what @ maurelius is saying is true, then yes the noise coming from the playground is a violation. Also agree it’s a sensitive topic, but I do think it should be addressed. 100% in agreement that the level of noise is unhealthy. It’s not once in a while. It’s every day. And it’s all day of every day. 10am to 6pm, my home is loud enough where I have to take phone calls in the bathroom. Anyway: I’ve been researching soundproof windows but for 1: they’re rendered ineffective when I have to install a window AC in the summer. 2. They’re expensive. @maurelius: maybe you could reach out to city hall? Let us know if you do. Will be in touch with the school’s name when I can.

I suggest reaching out to James Solomon and forwarding him this thread. Doesn’t hurt to include Jan Nordland. She is a wealth of knowledge and a long time community advocate. You can find her on Next Door and James on Facebook. I don’t want to post any personal contact info but those are good avenues to start with. Perhaps even starting a post on Next Door and gathering more community info on personal experiences would be helpful as well.

Unfortunately, I have not received any information for the school. As mentioned in my previous comment, I do apologize about how little I can do regarding this sensitive topic. After much review, Our City ordinance does not include any language which prohibits children from making noise in a public park. In addition, I reached out to Hudson Regional to determine if they can test the noise however they follow state laws and NJAC 7:29:1.5 number 11 states the un-amplified voice is exempt.

Should you have any other questions please feel free to call me at 201-547-4900 or Hudson Regional at 201-223-1133