Riverfront Park

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 has been alienated from the river in virtually every way. With few green spaces in a densely populated area, Newark needed more parks. With support from the City of Newark, County of Essex, The Trust for Public Land and others, the city has created a healthy, vibrant riverfront worthy of Newark’s greatness that is accessible to everyone.

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.

In 2017 four more acres of park land was added along the Passaic River. A signature feature is the Horizon Wellness Trail which is marked at 1/8 mile intervals to help encourage and track progress toward fitness goals. The trail also features a Fitness Zone® and connects to adjacent sports fields, playground, and a running track.

Further development in 2018 expanded the Park undernearth the Jackson Street Bridge which features a tribute mural “Detox the River” in honor of famed Newark artist Jerry Gant. Additional green space and a boardwalk extends along the River to the Welcome Wall at Madison Street.

On-going construction is taking place to further Riverfront Park and the opening of the newest section located between Center and Rector Streets is anticipated in Spring of 2022.