Newark's Parks System in Dire Shape

Newark has two major challenges with its parks system: (1) Newark lacks acreage to meet population increase; and (2) Newark's existing neighborhood parks are underutilized due to lack of features and free outdoor recreation.

According to the city's June 2016 Impact Fees Study, Newark is adding 17, 168 people to its current population of 43, 342. In addition to needing 51.5 acres to maintain 3 acres per 1,000 resident, the city's neighborhood parks are in dire need of improvements. The need is really 61.5 because 10 acres (MacGregor) represents a leased field: we don’t hold title to this property. Although one developer promises to donate 33-66 acres of parkland, that land is contaminated, and we don't have enough money to clean up the land and improve it.

We need bathrooms in our neighborhood parks. We need more drinking fountains. Our volleyball court at Ash Street Park is a mud pit during the rainy season. Our water features aren’t in operation and are eyes sores. The racquetball area and basketball courts at the Community Park need replacement.

And, we have glass in our sandboxes! Glass is commonplace in all parks and cities, especially in and around benches and picnic tables, but when it's in a sandbox that’s a strong indicator that there are NOT enough eyes in the parks to counter the loitering. That shouldn’t be a surprise: there are very few activities in those parks for many of our residents, especially for teens and pre-teens.

I wish our park staff would speak up. They pick up our litter everyday. They must know! I only pick up trash as a hobby. Want to see how colorful it is, go find a secluded spot in a park at different times, and just sit back and watch. While you're at your favorite neighborhood park, sit down and sift through the mulch at the playground.

Come with me one weekday to pick up trash (after school gets out). Better yet, go pick up trash by yourself: I find that I'm more aware of my surroundings when I'm alone. I’ve picked up a plethora of broken bongs and beer bottles at our parks, and I stopped counting the pounds of glass shards I've picked up at playgrounds. Doesn't even phase me anymore!

And, yes, I've found needles! Fortunately, I have yet to find one in a playground. I've seen drug use. I've seen what looked like drugs deals. Don't even ask me how many condoms I've picked up at our parks, especially Birch Grove parking lot—yet another sign that there aren't enough visitors to our parks. Now, imagine what things will look with an additional 17,168 residents, and no change to the status quo?

More maintenance alone doesn't solve loitering. We need: (1) park facilities that meet the recreation needs of residents; (2) a park ranger to protect our assets; (3) a skilled grant writer to bring in corporate donations and public grants to fund improvements. We need to invest in our parks to attract residents to them, having more eyes on the scene. Meanwhile, some residents' recreation is illegal, including playing fetch with your dog. Let's wake up! Tell your representatives what you want them to do: city.council@newark.org.

Angela Akridge
Volunteer, Newark Parks Foundation
www.newarkparks.org