Parks attract people, attract spending, attract business, which leads to housing — and more spending. And more business.
That’s why the ribbon cutting for Phase C of Riverfront Park in Newark, also known as ‘The Notch,’ attracted an all-star lineup, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Deputy Mayor/Director of Economic and Housing Development Allison Ladd, N.J. Department of Environmental Protection Shawn LaTourette, Newark Council President C. Lawrence Crump and Newark City Parks Foundation Executive Director Marcy DePina.
The ceremony took place at the edge of the Passaic River behind the FBI Building on Centre Place, but Baraka said its impact extends much further.
“The creation of Riverfront Park represents collaboration at its best,” he said. “Residents shared their vision for a waterfront park, and that vision is being made a reality by the City of Newark, NJDEP, Essex County, the Federal Government, The Trust for Public Land, and others. Together, we are transforming Newark’s waterfront and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
The new public space extends along the Passaic River from Dock Railroad Bridge to NJPAC and includes a riverfront walkway with accessible features, an amphitheater, art wall, and three food kiosks. This moment marks a key milestone in the city’s vision to transform Newark’s waterfront into a world-class place of recreation and enjoyment by residents and guests. Ultimately, the park will extend from the Ironbound riverfront to the North Ward.
Since Newark’s founding in the mid-1600s, the growth and prosperity of the city has been closely linked to the Passaic River. Yet for many decades, the community was alienated from the river in virtually every way. With few green spaces in a densely populated area, the city needed more parks. Together, the people of Newark are creating a healthy, vibrant riverfront worthy of the city’s greatness.
The first phase of Newark Riverfront Park was completed in August 2013 and now connects downtown Newark and the Ironbound to the Passaic River. In the summer months, the park is a venue for events and activities, attracting residents from all of the city’s wards as well as visitors from outside the city thanks to Newark Riverfront Revival. From day-long festivals, art shows, yoga and Zumba classes, poetry and spoken word gatherings, chess, hip hop, kayaking, walking and boat tours – there is something for everyone at Riverfront Park.
Phase C of the park will be maintained by the Newark City Parks Foundation, which will provide the programming around it. DePina said her group is eager to get going.
“Newark City Parks Foundation is proud to continue the powerful work that the city of Newark, citizens of the city, and a multitude of stakeholders have contributed in reconnecting the city with its river through the creation and expansion of Riverfront Park,” she said. “What began as a dream has turned into a reality, improving the quality of life for Newarkers, by providing access to a beautiful green and blue space and high-quality free programs for all who visit it.”
LaTourette agreed.
“It is a thrilling moment to witness the ribbon cutting for ‘The Notch’ phase of this project to further transform Newark’s Riverfront Park into a major destination for residents and visitors,” he said.
“The work done during the past decade to connect the city and Ironbound to the Passaic River, add parkland and expand the property even further is an inspiring commitment and testament to how partnerships work to give communities healthy, green spaces where children can play, families can gather, and people can enjoy nature. This is a great day for the city of Newark.”
