BASF and the Borough of East Newark Friday marked the official opening of the East Newark Riverfront Park, a 5-acre green space developed on a former industrial site along the Passaic River.
The ceremony celebrated the culmination of a multi-year effort with federal natural resource trustees to restore and transform the property. The park features a 1,000-foot boardwalk, an amphitheater, and space for walking, gathering, and hands-on learning.
The project was led by BASF in coordination with the U.S. Department of Interior, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Borough of East Newark – with support from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
“The opening of the East Newark Riverfront Park represents the best of what public private collaboration can achieve,” said Heather Remley, president and CEO of BASF Corp. “This transformation from a legacy industrial site into a vibrant, sustainable public space underscores BASF’s commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and long-term impact.”
The park is the result of a new model for expedited restoration, developed through a collaboration between BASF and the federal natural-resource trustees. East Newark is a successful example of this model, delivering environmental and community benefits faster than traditional processes would typically allow.
The park also aligns with 15 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, incorporates eco-friendly materials, native landscaping, and design elements that promote biodiversity and environmental resilience.
In addition to the boardwalk and amphitheater, the new park includes water fountains, restrooms, picnic tables, a playground, a great lawn and a large shade structure.
Dina Grilo, mayor of East Newark, said the opening of the park “marks a milestone for our community – a day when vision, hard work, and collaboration have come together to create something truly special… We have built something that will benefit generations to come.”
BASF Corp., based in Florham Park, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, a Ludwigshafen, Germany-based chemical company.
