Riverfront Park
Harriet Tubman Square
The City’s Waterfront Promenade
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 separated from the river. To address the need for more green space in such a densely populated area, the first phase of Riverfront Park was completed in August 2013, with support from the City of Newark, County of Essex, The Trust for Public Land, Ironbound Community Corporation, Friends of Riverfront Park and other partners. Since 2013, phases two and three have been completed to include a walking trail sponsored by Horizon NJ and a Fitness Zone sponsored by Healthcare Foundation of NJ. Phase four of Riverfront Park will open in Summer 2025, marking the park’s expansion into the downtown district, and featuring an outdoor amphitheater, walking paths, and art wall, and kiosks for local vendors.
In the summer months, the park is a venue for events and activities, attracting visitors and residents from all the city’s wards thanks to Newark Riverfront Revival. Festivals, music, chess, art shows, poetry and spoken word gatherings, kayaking, boat tours, and adult rowing classes with Brick City Rowing are just some of the many offerings at the park.
Sounds of Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park Highlights
Riverfront Park Expansion
Phase C of Riverfront Park Grand Opening - June 21, 2025
In October 2024, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Deputy Mayor Allison Ladd, NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, Council President C. Lawrence Crump, and Newark City Parks Foundation Executive Director Marcy DePina officially opened Phase C (“The Notch”) of Newark Riverfront Park, stretching from the Dock Railroad Bridge to NJPAC with an accessible riverfront walkway, amphitheater, art wall, and three food kiosks. This expansion—maintained and programmed by the Newark City Parks Foundation—reflects years of collaboration among city and state agencies, the federal government, The Trust for Public Land, and community stakeholders to reconnect Newark with its historic Passaic River. Since the first phase in 2013 linked downtown and the Ironbound to the river, subsequent additions in 2017 added four more acres featuring the Horizon Wellness Trail and fitness zones, while 2018 development under Jackson Street Bridge introduced the “Detox the River” mural and riverside boardwalk. Riverfront Park now hosts diverse free programs—festivals, art shows, fitness classes, and tours—and ongoing construction aims to extend the park northward, fulfilling Newark’s vision of a world-class waterfront destination.
Friends of Riverfront Park
Community Stewardship | Collaboration | Care
Friends of Riverfront Park is a dedicated group of residents, stakeholders, and community advocates who serve as stewards of Riverfront Park. United by a shared commitment to the park’s vitality, beauty, and accessibility, the group works together to uplift this cherished public space through collaboration, feedback, community engagement and fundraising.
Join us and be part of shaping the future of Riverfront Park.
