In Newark: Former Industrial Site Transformed Into Award-Winning Park

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded The Trust for Public Land, the City of Newark, and Essex County the agency’s “Smart Growth Achievement” award for the development of Newark’s Riverfront Park.

The EPA’s Smart Growth Achievement award recognizes exceptional approaches to development which respect the environment, foster economic vitality, enhance quality of life, and provide new opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

Comprised of more than 16 acres of recently developed public park space - much of it on previously contaminated industrial land - the riverfront park system now includes playing fields and courts for soccer, football, tennis and basketball, along with a bikeway and walking trail, a riverfront boardwalk, floating dock, and playgrounds, along with signs detailing the history of the area, a release from The Trust for Public Land stated.

The first phase of the park opened in 2012.

“As part of our commitment to help communities grow in ways that protect the environment and support other local goals, EPA is pleased to recognize the winners of this year’s National Award for Smart Growth Achievement,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “The smart growth strategies behind this year’s award winners will leave present and future generations with greener, healthier, more prosperous communities.”

“The City of Newark is committed to developing a sustainable city,” said Newark Deputy Mayor Baye Adofo-Wilson. “Newark’s Riverfront Park shows that a public and private partnership can work together to build healthy economies, strong neighborhoods and open space for our community. We are in the process of a significant expansion of Riverfront Park. In fact, the Newark Municipal Council recently authorized a referendum to increase the park by 15 acres, which will include walkways, performance space and a boathouse.”

According to a release, the now-complete sections of the park cost approximately $25 million in total to develop. Funding for the project came from a variety of sources, including the City of Newark, Essex County, and the State of New Jersey.

The Trust for Public Land also reported that it raised more than $3 million in private support from a variety of partners, including Prudential Financial, Inc., the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Victoria Foundation, and other donors committed to Newark.

The Kresge Foundation also contributed $2 million to the project.

The Trust for Public Land and the City are currently finalizing designs for the next phase of park development along the riverfront, which will add an additional three acres to the park.

Construction is expected to commence in early 2016.