Vailsburg Park Updates: Dog Park Open, Restroom Upgrade Continues

NEWARK, NJ — A new dog park recently opened in Newark at Vailsburg Park.

According to Essex County officials, the dog park is located in the western section of the park. It is about 24,000 square feet in size and has separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs. The large dog area is about 13,000 square feet and the small dog area is about 11,000 square feet.

The dog park has a gated decorative entrance, agility apparatus and water fountains designed for dogs, benches, garbage cans and an information kiosk. Landscaping in the area was enhanced, trees were pruned, and new pathways, sidewalks and curbing were installed in the area.

County officials added:

“French and Parrello from Wall was awarded a professional services contract for $124,500 to design the improvements. Zenith Construction Services from Orange was awarded a publicly bid contract for $1,994,950 to perform the construction work. The Essex County Department of Public Works is monitoring the project to ensure delays are avoided. It is being funded through the Essex County capital budget and with a grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund.”

A dedication ceremony was held at the county-run park last week.

“Our residents have been very excited about the dog park opening,” said Pam McElveen, president of the Palm Street Block Association.

“We are definitely going to enjoy this,” McElveen added.

It’s the sixth dog park in the Essex County system. The Watsessing Dog Park in Bloomfield/East Orange opened in 2005. The South Mountain Dog Park in Maplewood/Millburn opened in 2006. The Brookdale Dog Park in Bloomfield/Montclair opened in 2007. The Hilltop Dog Park in North Caldwell opened in 2018. The Branch Brook Dog Park in Newark opened in 2019.

RESTROOM RENOVATION

Meanwhile, a renovation of the existing restroom building adjacent to the children’s playground continues to take shape, county officials said last week.

According to an update:

“The facility will receive modern fixtures, asbestos and lead paint will be safely removed from the building; new flooring, ceiling, partitions and lighting will be installed; and plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems will be updated. Outside of the building, landscaping will be enhanced, the roof will be replaced, exterior lighting will be improved and ornamental trash receptacle, drinking fountains and benches will be installed. Walkways, pathways, curbing and other masonry items will be repaired.”

The restroom building is expected to open later this winter, officials said.

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