Eastside Park

A Glimpse of History in Paterson

Tuck away your phone and step back in time at Eastside Park, a green oasis established in the late 19th century. Formally designed in 1899 by John Y. Culyer - a landscape architect who'd previously lent his talents to both Central Park and Prospect Park in NYC - this park has been a Paterson treasure for generations.

Sprawling across 66 acres, the park sits nestled between Martin Luther King, Jr. Way to the north, McLean Boulevard to the east, Park Avenue to the south, and Derrom Avenue to the west. Though officially christened as Eastside Park, you might hear locals refer to it as Washington Park or East Side Park - don't worry, they're all talking about the same beautiful space.

Beauty by Design

Walk the intricate cobblestone and gravel pathways that meander organically around the grounds, and you'll experience firsthand the City Beautiful movement that inspired the park's design. There's something calming about the thoughtful layout that seems to guide you naturally from one lovely spot to the next.

The park isn't just pretty - it's historically significant too. As the heart of the Eastside Park Historic District (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004), this green space actually sparked development throughout Paterson's Eastside. The city's wealthy industrialists and mill owners built impressive mansions adjacent to the park, many of which still stand today.

Take a stroll around the perimeter and you'll see these beautiful historic homes - making your walk as much about architecture appreciation as exercise.

Monuments & Landmarks

History buffs will appreciate the park's collection of monuments. The Charles Curie Monument (1913), designed by sculptor George Thomas Brewster, takes the form of a bronze bust on a neo-classical granite pedestal, honoring a Paterson native who reached the rank of captain during the Civil War. The Civil War Monument from 1922 is one of the more visually layered pieces on the grounds: sculptor Gaetano Federici combined an Egyptian Revival obelisk with a statue of a Union soldier, bronze plaques on all four sides, and four bronze Confederate cannons set on granite blocks at the base.

Federici also created the Kazimierz Pulaski Monument, commissioned by a group called Americans of Polish Descent to mark the 150th anniversary of Pulaski's death. It honors the Polish count who served as a general in the American Revolution, and the granite pedestal - replaced in 2000 - carries inscriptions that also memorialize soldiers from World War II. Among the park's more ornate features is the Alice Weight Memorial Fountain (1916), which draws its stylistic cues from the Italian Renaissance. A large shell-motif bowl sits atop a quadripartite pedestal decorated with baroque-style brackets and foliate carving, set on a circular concrete base with marble inlay and enclosed by a decorative wrought iron fence. It was donated by Mary H. Weight of New York City as a memorial to her older sister, Alice.

Also worth seeking out is the Victorian Bandstand, built at the turn of the 20th century and drawing on Arts and Crafts design principles. In its prime it could hold up to 5,000 spectators and reportedly hosted as many as twenty concerts in a single season - a sign of how central the park once was to community life in Paterson.

Get Moving

Looking for a solid workout? The park's notable staircases will get your heart pumping, while the rolling hills and flat straightaways create a varied terrain that's ideal for walking, jogging, or running.

If you're visiting with kids, head to the playground area where slides and climbing structures provide hours of entertainment. During summer months, the water fountain area becomes a magnet for children looking to cool off and splash around.

Planning a family gathering? The picnic areas come equipped with tables and grills - everything you need for an excellent outdoor meal.

Sports fans will appreciate the baseball fields, including one named for Larry Doby, a hometown hero from Eastside High School who broke barriers as the first African-American to play in the American League. Take a moment to visit his commemorative statue while you're there.

Community Heart

The park hosts various special events throughout the year. From concerts and holiday celebrations to cultural festivals and sporting events, the open layout works well for different types of gatherings.

You'll find the park at its busiest during daylight hours when families spread out across the green spaces. The well-maintained grounds and regular cleaning make it a favorite spot for locals seeking fresh air and recreation.

With its tree-lined paths, open fields, and mix of historical elements and modern amenities, Eastside Park offers something for most visitors - whether you're looking for exercise, a bit of history, or just a quiet afternoon outdoors.