Origins (1918–1922)
The site of Pershing Field was originally earmarked in 1918 for a reservoir, intended as an extension of the water system connected to nearby Reservoir No. 3. The plan changed, and the space was redesigned as a public park under the working name Reservoir Park.
Designed by noted landscape architect Charles N. Lowrie — the same hand behind Lincoln Park in Jersey City and Stephen R. Gregg Park in Bayonne — the grounds opened for track and field events in 1919, hosting competitions including those of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).
The park was formally dedicated on July 4, 1922, and renamed Pershing Field in honor of General John J. Pershing, commanding general of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. The name also reflected the site's previous use as a World War I military training ground. General Pershing himself was invited to the ceremony but declined with a written letter of apology.
Athletics & Notable Events
Through the 1920s and 1930s, Pershing Field was a hub of competitive athletics in the region. The track hosted prominent figures including Stanisława Walasiewicz and Babe Didrikson Zaharias, two of the most celebrated women athletes of the era.
On August 25, 1936, the park hosted an exhibition baseball game between the traveling novelty team the House of David — famous for their long hair, beards, and association with a Michigan religious commune — and the locally assembled Pershing Field All Stars, a team selected for batting and fielding skill from the area's regular season rosters.
Memorials & Monuments
Over the decades, Pershing Field evolved into a memorial park honoring Hudson County's military service members.
The Armory Arch
At Summit Avenue stands a large arch of reddish sandstone — the sole surviving remnant of the Fourth Regiment Armory, which once occupied the site of today's Hudson Catholic Regional High School. Dismantled and relocated to the park in 1941, the arch is now a Jersey City–designated historic site.
America Triumphant
A statue by sculptor James Novelli commemorates the 147 Hudson County residents who gave their lives in World War I.
Later Memorials
- Plaques honoring Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague and New Jersey Governor A. Harry Moore
- The Korean War Memorial, dedicated November 11, 1998
- The Jersey City Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated May 28, 2001
- Stone markers bearing veterans' names from both World Wars along the park's walking paths
- The Heights Vietnam Veterans Memorial Community Center, dedicated 1986
The Park Today
Pershing Field's approximately 13.5 acres (5.5 ha) sit adjacent to Jersey City Reservoir No. 3, forming a large open green space bounded by Summit Avenue, Central Avenue, and Manhattan Avenue in The Heights neighborhood.
Today the park features:
- Tennis courts
- Baseball / softball field
- Basketball courts
- Running track
- Charlie Heger Ice Skating Rink (seasonal)
- Swimming pool (seasonal)
- Children's playground (southern end)
- Community garden
- Paved walking paths and open lawn