Weequahic Park

A Journey Through Time

Found in the South Ward of Newark, Weequahic Park stretches across 311.33 acres of urban greenery, making it the second-largest park in Essex County. This green space was designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm - the same landscape architects behind Newark's Branch Brook Park.

The park's story begins in the late 19th century when the land served as the Waverly Fairgrounds, complete with a horse trotting track. In 1895, the Essex County Park Commission set their sights on transforming this area, and by 1899, they'd secured 265 acres to create what would become a popular community treasure.

Nature's Canvas

At the heart of Weequahic Park lies its crown jewel - an 80-acre lake that holds the title of largest in Essex County. This water feature is popular for fishing and attracts various waterfowl. On any given day, you might spot ducks, geese, elegant blue herons, and even snowy egrets going about their business.

Beyond the lake, the landscape unfolds in a patchwork of wide lawns, wooded groves, and gentle hills - a little slice of countryside within city limits. If you're lucky (and quiet), you might cross paths with the park's furry residents: squirrels darting between trees, groundhogs waddling through the grass, foxes slinking by, and occasionally, deer venturing from their woodland hideaways.

Play Time

Golf enthusiasts, take note: Weequahic boasts one of America's oldest public golf courses, opening its fairways back in 1914. What began as a modest 9-hole course expanded to a full 18 holes in 1969. Today, it offers a solid round without breaking the bank, welcoming players of all skill levels.

Not into golf? The park also offers baseball and softball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a football/soccer field with artificial turf and lighting for evening games. Runners can take advantage of a well-maintained 400-meter track for their training sessions.

On the Move

The park features a 2.1-mile rubberized walking/running trail that loops around the lake. This path isn't just flat and boring - it throws in some challenging inclines to get your heart pumping. Along the way, you can find exercise stations with equipment for stretching and strength training, turning your walk into a complete workout.

The trail offers nice lake views and green landscapes throughout. The springy, rubberized surface is kind to your joints, but you might encounter a few sections that could use some TLC.

Family Fun

Kids have plenty of room to burn energy at the park's multiple playgrounds, equipped with swings, climbing structures, and more. These play areas are thoughtfully positioned near picnic grounds, making it easy to keep an eye on the little ones while preparing lunch.

Speaking of picnics, you can find plenty of spots around the park with tables, benches, and some with grills ready for your cookout creations. These areas regularly host family reunions, birthday celebrations, and community gatherings. And when the meal is done, there's always room on the grassy expanses for a game of frisbee or catch.

The Practical Stuff

You'll come across clean restroom facilities around the park, some with attendants on duty, plus portable toilets strategically placed near high-traffic areas. The recently renovated community center acts as a gathering place for various activities and events.

While the park is generally well-kept, some areas might occasionally need a bit more attention when it comes to trash collection and upkeep. That said, the Essex County Parks Department continues to invest in improvements to keep this green space thriving.

A Living Legacy

In 2003, Weequahic Park earned its well-deserved spot on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its architectural merit, community planning, and exceptional landscape design.

Today, the park provides green space for Newark residents - a place to enjoy nature without leaving the city. It's relatively quiet despite being just minutes from downtown.