For adults, kids, and pets

Local officials cut the ribbon on Tuesday June 14, for a new waterfront gazebo in Millcreek Point Park. It’s adjacent to a dog park, nature trails, and playground areas. Kids can enjoy a new rock wall near the playground, and tables and chairs that look like mushrooms and frogs.
Mayor Michael Gonnelli was unable to attend due to his recent stroke on Wednesday June 8. He’s still in the hospital recovering, so officials spoke about his part in the process.
“It was the mayor’s vision,” said Scott Goodman, one of the engineers of Remington-Vermick & Arango. “He helped come up with the shape of it, he picked the location, and he wanted pavers to install decorative patterns with the stones on the ground.”
He said the area of the gazebo had just been a piece of land with an “unsightly” slab of concrete on top.
“When the mayor told us that he wanted a gazebo at the end of Millcreek Park, we were shocked, because it was off the beaten track,” Goodman said. “We used the concrete and land as a foundation. It was the mayor’s idea to create barriers with rocks along the marsh that extended all around.” (Gonnelli is the former supervisor of public works.)
There are plenty of places to sit alone or with friends to get a view of the Meadowlands. Goodman said, “The mayor played around the the placement of the chairs so everyone could get a good look around.”
“There was lots of help from the Department of Public Works, and from Hugerich Construction,” Goodman added.
The project manager for Hugerich Construction, John Hugerich, said, “The gazebo turned out beautiful. It was great working on the project.”
Councilwoman Susan Pirro said she uses the dog park a lot. “I love the green, open space,” Pirro said, “We are huge proprietors of parks and animals. Every park in Secaucus had a makeover since the mayor has been in office.”
Goodman added, “The mayor had a vision, and he tried his best to make it happen. I think it turned out better than expected. He saw potential in an unsightly area for people to come down to the park.”
Goodman said the mayor has spoke of holding events like concerts there to utilize the space.