The City of Trenton’s Historic Fishing Wharf has long served as one of the community’s few public access points for fishing and enjoying the Delaware River. Although past waterfront improvements enhanced portions of the shoreline, increased flooding along Route 29 and structural deterioration of the wharf forced the closure of this valued site for many years. 

A coordinated effort among the City of Trenton, Mercer County, the NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and the NJ Department of Treasury is now advancing a comprehensive park redevelopment project that will restore public access while reducing flood risk. NJDOT’s floodwall restoration has made progress in providing an essential protective feature for both the park and the adjacent highway. 

With the floodwall nearing completion, work is shifting toward the Wharf Park Improvement Project, which will deliver new park amenities, safe public access to the river, and green‑infrastructure stormwater management systems. Mercer County is leading the design process with guidance from state partners, stakeholders, and community members to ensure that the redeveloped space reflects neighborhood needs and environmental goals. 

The County of Mercer has secured funding through a HUD Community Project Funding grant. The County is preparing to advance into detailed design and prepare for construction following completion of the floodwall. In a city with miles of riverfront but very limited public access, the restoration of the Trenton Fishing Wharf Park presents a rare and meaningful opportunity to reconnect residents with the Delaware River and revitalize a long‑treasured fishing location.