Mulberry Commons

A Breath of Fresh Air in Downtown Newark

Tucked between the bustling buildings of downtown Newark, Mulberry Commons offers 3 acres of much-needed green space where the city can exhale. Since opening in 2019, this urban park has become the thread that stitches together several key areas of Newark - connecting the Prudential Center arena, Newark Penn Station, and the vibrant Ironbound neighborhood.

With its thoughtful mix of grassy areas and paved spaces, the park strikes that perfect balance between nature and urban functionality. Whether you're looking to spread out on the lawn with a good book or find a bench to people-watch, there's a little piece of calm amid the city rhythm.

Beyond Pretty Trees

The designers of Mulberry Commons clearly understood that a great urban park needs both beauty and purpose. Modern landscaping with strategically placed trees creates pockets of shade on hot days, while the open layout ensures you can still enjoy those blue-sky views above the city skyline.

Kids will likely head straight for the children's play area, complete with climbing structures that might tire them out (parents, you're welcome). On summer days, the splash pad becomes the park's most popular spot, with children zigzagging through jets of water while adults dip their feet in for a quick cool-down.

Where Newark Comes Together

The park often functions as a gathering space for the community. All year long, Mulberry Commons hosts everything from laid-back music performances to meaningful community gatherings like autism awareness events.

Its central location makes it a natural meeting point - a place where Newark's diverse communities intersect. As the sun sets, good lighting keeps the space feeling safe and welcoming, extending its usefulness well into the evening hours.

What You'll Find There

Packing a picnic? There's plenty of room to throw down a blanket without feeling like you're encroaching on someone else's space. Dog owners will appreciate that their four-legged friends are welcome to join in on the fresh air.

Practical amenities include public restrooms (though do note they occasionally close for maintenance). For the digitally connected, the park offers Newark Fiber connectivity - perfect if you're attempting to answer emails while soaking up some vitamin D.

Looking Ahead

As if Mulberry Commons wasn't connected enough already, future plans include a pedestrian bridge that will stretch over the train tracks. This thoughtful addition will further weave the park into Newark's urban fabric, making it even easier to access from different parts of the city.