Elizabeth Celebrates Renovation of L. Ron Hubbard Park on 75th Anniversary of Dianetics

The renovation and rededication of L. Ron Hubbard Park in Elizabeth, New Jersey, was celebrated by city officials, community leaders, and residents, marking the 75th anniversary of the publication of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. The event underscored the park's historical significance to the city and the global Dianetics movement, which traces its origins to the local launch of the book in 1950. Dianetics remains the all-time bestselling book on the human mind, with over 20 million copies sold in more than 50 languages, having first gained prominence from an unprecedented 28-week run on the New York Times Best Seller List shortly after its release on May 9, 1950.

The renovation project was a collaborative effort involving the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation, city departments, and local organizations. The foundation sponsored the replacement of the worn park front, the installation of new pavers, and the restoration of the sixteen-foot-tall clock and plaque that have served as a city landmark for 25 years. Groundwork Elizabeth contributed by planting new rosebushes and azaleas, while the City of Elizabeth planted new trees to provide long-term environmental and community benefits. Additional improvements, including more plantings and walking paths, are still planned for the future.

During the ceremony, Mayor J. Christian Bollwage commended the work done and emphasized the value of community engagement in such projects. Jennifer Costa, President and CEO of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the park's role as a global destination meeting point, noting that the dedication was about looking forward to the future and inspiring residents and travelers to pause, reflect, and choose actions that uplift the community. Rev. Massimo Parrino of the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation described the renovation as the start of a broader project to renew the park further, celebrating the power of community, the spirit of service, and the belief that collaborative efforts can improve the world.

The event concluded with an official ribbon-cutting led by Mayor Bollwage, Costa, members of the Elizabeth City Council, and representatives from the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation. The L. Ron Hubbard Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit organization dedicated to preserving the historical record of L. Ron Hubbard's research into the human mind and spirit. More information about the foundation and its work is available at https://www.lronhubbard.org. This renovation not only honors a pivotal literary and cultural milestone but also reinforces the park's enduring role as a civic space that fosters community pride and engagement, serving as a testament to the lasting influence of Dianetics and its foundational principles on both local and global scales.