Union City residents who were around in the late ’50s and ’60s remember the summer concerts on Wednesday nights at Indian Pond Park. Bands performed rock, polka, jazz and mambo for large crowds every week.
"It didn’t matter what kind of music they played. Everyone showed up," said Union City spokeswoman Gail Kaufman. "Neighbors would meet on those nights and discuss community issues."
Even though the live music has stopped at Indian Pond, the community still frequents it. Parents bring their children to the swings and sandbox. Adults come to Indian Pond to enjoy the cool breeze and hide from the sun in the summer.
On a recent visit, this reporter met Alejandro Pena at the park. A public transportation driver, Pena sat quietly at one of the benches relaxing.
"I had a rough day at work. I need to take my mind off the stress," he said.
The park was so named by a city official because it was believed that a small pond was once at that location, Kauffman said. A statue memorializing World War I and II veterans from Union City stands near the New York Avenue entrance. In a couple of weeks the city will close the park to renovate it. The upgrades will include new swing sets, pavement, benches and minor landscape changes, Kauffman said.
"Expect the park to reopen in the fall," she said. "We want to make it safer for children to enjoy."
Indian Pond Park is located on 33rd Street and New York Avenue in Union City. It closes at 9 p.m. The Current will be visiting a different Hudson County park each week throughout the summer. Do you have a favorite park in Hudson County? Let us know by writing to current@hudsonreporter.com. q