Lincoln Park

A Stroll Through History

Dating back to 1905, Lincoln Park in Jersey City is the largest and most historic park in the Hudson County Parks System. Originally called West Side Park until 1930, it spans an impressive 273.4 acres and naturally divides into two distinct personalities: the recreation-focused Lincoln Park East (150.4 acres) and the more natural Lincoln Park West (123 acres). Though separated by U.S. Route 1/9 Truck, these siblings stay connected through both foot and vehicle bridges.

The park bears the creative fingerprints of Daniel W. Langton and Charles N. Lowrie, founding members of the American Society of Landscape Architects and champions of the "City Beautiful" movement. Their design reflected the early 20th century's push to create green spaces within urban environments.

What You'll Find There

Lincoln Park East is where most of the action happens. You can enter through the Lincoln Park Plaza, a tree-lined corridor that welcomes you into the heart of the park. The plaza features stepped pathways and stone walls, leading to the Lincoln Park Fountain - designed by Pierre J. Cheron and described as the world's largest concrete monument. Weighing 365 tons and rising 53 feet high, it features 27 frog-shaped spouts and 150 lights, and was rededicated in 2016 following a $7.2 million restoration.

Near the plaza stands the contemplative "Lincoln the Mystic" statue, a bronze work by sculptor James Earle Fraser. Commissioned in 1929 by the Lincoln Association of Jersey City, it was unveiled on June 14, 1930 before a crowd of around 4,000 people, with New Jersey Governor Morgan F. Larson among those addressing the crowd.

The park is also home to several notable monuments. The Jersey City Civil War Memorial is a 9-foot bronze sculpture depicting a uniformed soldier mid-march, dedicated in 1926 and installed through the estate of Edward J. Donnelly, a sergeant in Company C of the 5th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. Nearby, the Farrier Memorial presents a 6-foot bronze firefighter atop a domed granite base - 15 feet in total - bequeathed by Police Captain Frederick T. Farrier to honor the Volunteer Fire Department and dedicated in 1931. A more recent addition is the Great Irish Famine Memorial, an 18-foot Celtic cross erected by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and dedicated in 2011 as a tribute to those who perished during the famine.

A path winds through lush green lawns in the park's west section

Photo: Kai Schreiber (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Recreation and Open Space

Sports enthusiasts will feel right at home here. The recently renovated tennis courts shine with fresh surfaces that also accommodate the growing pickleball crowd. Baseball fields, basketball courts, a cricket ground, soccer fields, and volleyball courts offer something for every athlete. Runners can enjoy the 400-meter track while fitness buffs make use of the adjacent workout stations.

Lincoln Park Lake in the eastern section covers about 3 acres and is open for fishing. It also has a history as a venue for model yacht racing, giving it a bit of old-fashioned charm alongside its more straightforward recreational use.

A visitor enjoys the quiet morning on a bench at Edgewood Lake

Photo: Santhosh Janardhanan (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Natural Retreats

Cross over to Lincoln Park West and the urban energy gives way to natural serenity. This section hugs the Hackensack River, featuring rehabilitated wetlands that breathe life into the ecosystem. Nature lovers can explore the peaceful walking trails that form part of the developing Hackensack RiverWalk along Hudson County's shoreline.

The East Coast Greenway - an ambitious long-distance urban trail system - also cuts through the park. A charming pond with fountains creates a tranquil spot to unwind and observe wildlife. Ducks paddle contentedly while various birds flit about the trees. Keep your eyes peeled for squirrels darting about, and if you're lucky, you might glimpse raccoons or other small creatures going about their business.

Everyday Enjoyments

Families appreciate the two playgrounds stationed at opposite ends of the park. Each features modern equipment - swings, slides, and climbing structures suitable for little adventurers of all ages. When summer heat rolls in, water play areas become the coolest spots in the park, literally.

Dog parents haven't been forgotten - dog-friendly areas include thoughtfully separated sections for large and small four-legged friends. You're also welcome to walk your leashed companions within the park's pathways. Planning a gathering? Picnic areas with tables dot the landscape, with a particular concentration near Communipaw Avenue - fantastic for everything from birthday celebrations to casual meetups. Practical amenities include restrooms at several locations and free WiFi within the grounds.

The Park Today

Lincoln Park has continuously evolved throughout its lifetime. Recent improvements include enhanced bike lanes, updated dog parks, smoothly paved walking paths, and meticulous landscape maintenance. All year long, the park hosts farmers markets, carnivals, free concerts, and cultural events that bring the community together.

A new restaurant is currently taking shape within the park grounds, soon to add another dimension to the experience. Through all its changes, Lincoln Park continues to be an important green space for Jersey City - offering recreation, nature, and history in one location.