Essex County Riverfront Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Waterfront Access
Nestled along the Passaic River in Newark, New Jersey, this 12-acre green space is the only public waterfront park in the city, reconnecting locals with the river for the first time in decades.
The park runs from Raymond Boulevard to Brill Street, where you can soak in stunning views of the Passaic River and the urban landscape beyond. One of our favorite features is the wooden boardwalk trail that hugs the shoreline - ideal for a morning jog, casual stroll, or spotting local birds while escaping the city hustle.
Sports Facilities
At the heart of the park sits a synthetic grass soccer field with the Essex County logo. Right beside it, you can find a baseball field with the same high-quality synthetic surface, giving both organized teams and casual players a great place to enjoy their games.
If soccer and baseball aren't your thing, no worries! The park also offers tennis and basketball courts for those looking to shoot some hoops or practice their serve. The soccer field tends to draw quite a crowd and occasionally hosts local matches and community events.
Family Amenities
For those visiting with kids, the park features two enclosed playgrounds with equipment for various age groups, plus a spray park that's good for cooling down on hot summer days.
Need a quieter moment? The park's meadow areas and walking paths offer peaceful spots to unwind. You can find plenty of benches and tables scattered throughout - some even have chess/checkers boards built right in, great for an impromptu game or a riverside picnic.
Outdoor Recreation
For fitness enthusiasts, the park includes outdoor exercise equipment where you can work out while enjoying fresh air and river views.
Dog owners, rejoice - the park is pet-friendly, so your four-legged friends can enjoy the boardwalk and open spaces alongside you. Just remember to clean up after them to keep the park beautiful for everyone.
Water Activities
During special events, you can even try your hand at kayaking on the Passaic River. These organized paddling sessions offer a completely different perspective of Newark from the water - a truly unique experience during community gatherings.
Community Engagement
The park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, particularly during summer months. From yoga classes and art exhibitions to boat tours, there's always something bringing people together.
The open layout makes it ideal for fitness meetups and family celebrations, with plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy themselves.
Facilities
You'll find restrooms in a building near the Brill Street entrance on Raymond Boulevard - they're generally well-maintained. During busier times, portable toilets are also available around the grounds.
Getting here is easy with convenient parking lots for those arriving by car.
Revitalization Efforts
Essex County Riverfront Park is part of Newark's waterfront revival, transforming former industrial land into public space.
From here, you can see the river bridges and enjoy views of the Newark and New York skylines in the distance.
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