Eastside Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historic Origins
Established in the late 19th century, Eastside Park was formally designed in 1899 by John Y. Culyer, a landscape architect from New York City who had previously worked as an assistant engineer on both Central Park and Prospect Park projects.
The park spans approximately 66 acres and is bordered by Martin Luther King, Jr. Way (Broadway) to the north, McLean Boulevard (State Route 20) to the east, Park Avenue to the south, and Derrom Avenue to the west. Originally dedicated as Washington Park, it is also sometimes referred to as East Side Park.
Design and Heritage
The park's design reflects the City Beautiful movement of the era, featuring intricate walkways of cobblestone and gravel laid out in an organic fashion.
Eastside Park serves as the cornerstone of the Eastside Park Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 2004. The park and its surrounding neighborhood became a catalyst for the development of Paterson's Eastside area, with many of the city's industrialists and mill owners building mansions adjacent to the park.
Notable Features
The park features several significant monuments, including the Alice Weight Memorial Fountain (erected in 1916), the Charles Curie Monument (1913), a Civil War Monument (1922), and the Kazimierz Pulaski Monument. These structures add historical and cultural significance to the park's landscape.
Throughout its history, Eastside Park has undergone various modifications and additions, including the construction of tennis courts, baseball fields, and other recreational facilities.
Community Legacy
One of the baseball fields has been named in honor of Larry Doby, a star athlete from nearby Eastside High School who became the first African-American to play in the American League.
Today, Eastside Park continues to serve as a vital green space for the community, offering a mix of recreational facilities and historical landmarks. Its tree-lined paths, open fields, and various amenities provide residents and visitors with opportunities for leisure, sports, and cultural appreciation.
