The 22 best parks and gardens in Newark

NEWARK: Branch Brook Park is a true gem, renowned for its breathtaking springtime cherry blossoms and celebrated as the nation’s first county park open to the public. Spanning over 360 acres, its winding paths are perfect for a scenic stroll with your leashed pup. We were lucky to visit during their vibrant Diwali festival, a joyful celebration of Indian culture filled with color and community. Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of events, so keep an eye out for seasonal happenings. Beyond the blossoms, you will find a dog park, playgrounds, sports courts, public art installations, and plenty of open space to explore. Fun fact: Branch Brook Park boasts the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in any U.S. Park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so you are walking through history as well as beauty. For extended adventures, the 36-mile Lenape Trail connects Branch Brook to other parks across neighboring towns. With multiple entrances and parking areas, it is easy to find your way in. We recommend starting at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, it is a great launch point for your visit!

Visited Branch Brook Park on April 19 during Easter weekend and had such a great time. There was an egg hunt for kids and they were giving out free hot dogs which was a really nice surprise. Most of the cherry blossoms had already fallen but it was still really pretty. When the wind blew and petals floated down it felt super peaceful and beautiful. There’s a fun playground for kids and a welcome center nearby so restrooms weren’t an issue. It’s a great spot for a family day out and we’d love to visit again.

Branch Brook Park is a gem in the heart of Newark that brings nature to life in an urban setting. What makes it truly special is the stunning display of over 5,000 cherry blossom trees—more than even Washington, D.C.! Whether you’re walking, biking, or fishing, the park offers a peaceful escape with plenty of space to explore. Cherry blossom season is hands down the best time to visit—the views are unreal, and the atmosphere is like something out of a postcard. Just across the street, don’t miss the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart—one of the largest and most beautiful cathedrals in the country. Its breathtaking architecture and stained glass windows add a historical and cultural touch to your visit, making the whole area feel even more special. If you’re from New Jersey and haven’t been yet, it’s definitely a must-see.

This was a beautiful park with lots of walking areas and street side parking. It does get a bit tricky moving through some area of the park as certain busy rodes cut through it, but shouldn't be a huge problem once you cross carefully in the designated areas. There is an area in the park where you can get an amazing view of Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, with the pond as a foreground. Highly recommend this area for pictures and definitely a beautiful stroll on a nice day. We came for the Sakura trees in a misty day, and we were still able to enjoy it. So many cherry blossom trees throughout the park! You can pretty much start anywhere and walk around to enjoy the experience.

Branch Brook Park Review Branch Brook Park is a beautiful place to spend the day, whether you're walking, biking, or fishing. I visited during cherry blossom season, which was absolutely stunning. Even on a Wednesday afternoon, the park was quite crowded—especially around the paved paths—so biking there was a bit tricky. However, the park is huge, and if you have a mountain bike, there are plenty of areas to enjoy a peaceful ride away from the crowds. There’s ample parking, and despite spending a good amount of time there, we only saw a fraction of what the park has to offer. One of the highlights is that Branch Brook Park has the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the country. It’s truly a sight to see. The park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the renowned landscape architect who designed Central Park. Their vision and attention to natural beauty really shine through in every corner of the park.

Only went to the dog park and it was nice. 1 area for large dogs and 1 for small. Really nice that everyone abided by the size of their dog. My dog was comfortable and at ease. Loved it.

I'm a tattoo artist and today I decided to breathe fresh air and this place is really amazing. Enjoy being in that place, very clean nice and safe. I will leave my instagram for those who want a tattoo @Hendritattoo

Sports complex w/ multiple fields. Walking path with awesome views of the water and nature. Nice spot for fishing and birding but No pets!! Exercise trail. Gave it a four because there was some litter on the ground. Will definitely visit again.

Hidden gem in Newark with a scenic lake and quiet walking trails. Great spot for a peaceful walk, jog, or picnic. Less crowded, with a more local, relaxed vibe.

Chat I'm trynna come here again lwk tho!! It's wide n peaceful n just yk fun!! And I like the scenery too so yea

Went for the universal soul circus was very fun and entertaining would love to return in the summer to experience the park

Recently updated their walking/running trail and I love it. My favorite part is the lake. You might even see the resident herons when you’re in the woods :) The 2-mile trail is great for workouts and fresh air.

This place is cool but I only have one concern In the kids park the have a big slide and on the top from the slide one part is open and usually kids start fighting or it gets really full of kids and accidents can happen and a kid can fall from this, I wish I could post a video of the kids so you can see the danger, I think that part should be close

I love this park! It has a lake with a track that goes around the entire park & lake! Also has so pullup bars to get ya workout on! Also has a golf course, and the golf course is getting a makeover as we speak. Once they complete the golf courses makeover its going to look better then ever!! Definitely one of my favorite parks in Essex County New Jersey!!! NEWARK, NJ TO BE EXACT!

This place has had a major upgrade since my childhood. New fields, buildings, massive changes that help the community. The parks are the heartbeat of the community where people come together. So happy they took the time to relocate this iconic Ironbound landmarks.

This park is very good, I always come with my daughters how great that there is a lot of security.

WOW! I did not recognize the park at all. It has definitely been upgraded since my high school years, it looks great.

My kids ❤ love to go out and play around this beautiful park since they were babies 💕

I love bringing my daughter here. I went to East side high school so it’s a treat bringing her here.. we stay for hours..food trucks and ice cream trucks are all around..they have a zip line for children (teenagers break it a lot so it’s often out of service 😡). Lots of playground equipment. One of our favorite playgrounds to visit.

Our kids and I often spend hours at church (especially holidays) as my hubby works nearby. I cantor whenever possible. The kids are still young, so we love to go here in between and/or during multiple services. This is one of the most fun parks we have been to in NJ. In the summer they even have a spray device you can walk through to cool off! There is very adequate seating on benches for tired parents. Plus, only one exit in and out, which makes it easier to relax as you can keep a close eye on the kiddos. I will warn, the ground surface material gets burning hot in summer (you can feel it through thinner shoes). Also, some older kids will absolutely run into you and/or your child(ren), so if they are quite young, please accompany in areas to keep them safe. There is often plenty of room for an adult to follow and play along with their tiny kiddo. Heads up, you also may get hit by a soccer ball or frisbee! Lol. If it weren't for these reasons, this rating would be a 5, no doubt. Overall, we still love the variety of activities and the vibe here (so long as there aren't wayy too many people). An icecream truck is usually nearby, so bring cash! In the summer, sweet ladies often sell water ice for a great price too! This area feels like a very safe place despite Newark's reputation, because it is! May you and your kiddos have great fun here!!

I loved this place it gave me peace and quite i just sat there in a place I have never been and it just made me feel like I was in a fairy tale

Only saw the baseball field, but it is a beautiful turf field! Newark has quite a few nice ballfields.

The County of Essex did a great job remodeling the playgrounds and fields.

Valsberg park newly renovated park That will benefit family and friends in the whole community

Safer & better place than it was years ago. It's not huge & there isn't much to do. It has a dog park now, though....

My name is Rasheed Cotton, and my daughter's name is Shadeeyah Cotton, I am a dedicated and proud dad, and we are the main reason why this park became so popular in 2013...

My daughter and I have waited for weeks for them to finish the updates to the park, and they did not disappoint. Since it's one of 2 parks close to our house we find ourselves coming here more often now than the other park, although on the really hot days we visit the other one since they have sprinklers lol

My Baby Girl and I enjoyed our day together in the park and then IHop with her uncle my son for his 18th Birthday ! 😘😘💜💜

Are little boys not allowed to wait with their moms in the ladies bathroom? We were harassed by the staff for me having my 7 year old wait for me and my daughter outside the stall. I was also told I should be using the men's bathroom then. And when I was walking by to go home, she ran to lock the ladies bathroom door. What are the bathroom rules?

It’s alright there’s people playing sports riding bikes , people laying down on the bench but also I think they should clean there benches every once in a while people put there bare feet on the bench so it smells like feet

They cleaned this place up really nice ,thank you Essex county for that ,the park is amazing ,fresh clean air , loving people passing by ,such a good place during both spring and summer ☀️ come and enjoy the good vibes.

This Park is currently under construction, I hope they put more lighting there for Safety. Otherwise, it seems to be a peaceful Park each time I visited.

One of the best places to visit. Within walking distance of my home. Gives me an instant peace of mind.

very nice and secure, they have everything, including tennis field very clean

Quite safe and nice jogging path, and decent public gym equipment and different outdoor sports fields

Park is nice. They had free comedy show friday night. There is a parking garage under the park with reasonable fees. Slso a restaurant on site. Park also has many electric outlet where people can charge their devices. I was visit Newak friday night and Saturday. I ran through and around the park both night and in the morning. There were some people sleeping on benches or some were using electric outlets but no one was bothering anyone.

Nice, clean, relaxing park. Has fun musical festivals. Near The Yard which is a delicious takeout (small seating area) restaurant. Walking distance from NJPAC.

Really nice park but certain areas have a strong odor of urine which of course is very unpleasant smell on any given day. It has an awesome merry go round and a beautiful statue. The park needs a little TLC to bring it back to grandeur.

Right in the heart of downtown newark, it's always been a place to go sit and relax and take in the sights. The summer months here are amazing with shows, concerts, and events that go on all summer long. I have been in newark all my life, and to be able to see the park constantly improve over the years really warm my heart. They have a carousel for the kids, a restaurant, and its directly on the bus line.

Small nice park in the dawntown of Newark. This is prefect place for relax and enjoy the calm and quiet environment.

Got in the habit of taking pictures when I have to take long walks. Military park happens to be located in the direction I'm going. Still peaceful despite the busy, loud surroundings. What was disappointing is that despite however many signs & care by vendors/patrons, it doesn't fail to see signs of others disregard for others & the environment.

Great local park, with circular pathway and parking lot underneath, very convenient. First time there for Newarks vegfest and you me trapeze yoga, flipping people in the park. The energy was amazing, park was very clean and amble space for 20+ vendors

Park was nice my girls loved it. Especially the bear in the treehouse under the slides. I don't like how the edge of the park was set up near the ship on the playground when the mulch has a drop off straight down to the fence. It was very clean. Bathrooms were open , we left around 3. Most bathrooms close at 4pm. So we got lucky there. No trashcans inside of the bathroom not even in the stalls.

Parking is tough because there is no lot. You have to find a spot on the street. Bleachers are cement so bring a chair or something soft to sit on. Baseball field is in good shape and there are good sightings from the bleachers.

This park has turned all sporting fields into turf...great idea because of less maintenance

My family and I love this park, I just wish they would honor the bathroom hours , it’s 5:33 pm & the bathrooms close. The hours are up to 7 PM. But they are close . As a mother with little kids this is sad and disappointing because they have emergencies .

A beautiful place of recreation for all ages. Children play ground, basketball court, lawn tennis courts, football field and a mini stadium...

Great and safe place for kids to play. They have fun pirate ship setup which amuses kids. So happy that I explored this place.

Nice facility, but difficult on street parking. Local stores available as well as food.

A hidden gem during my 9-hour layover—well worth the visit! I had a 9-hour layover at Newark Airport on my way back home, and Google recommended the Newark Museum of Art—so I decided to give it a shot. I took a bus from the airport and walked about 10 minutes to the museum. Totally worth the detour! The entry fee is very reasonable, especially considering everything they offer. As a student, I got a discount and paid only $10.99 for my ticket. A great deal for a museum this size and quality. If you're carrying heavy bags, don't worry—they don't allow large bags inside, but they offer a secure storage service and give you a token to collect your items later. That was super convenient and hassle-free. The museum itself is impressive, with three full stories of exhibits, ranging from historic artifacts to art collections. My personal favorite was the Ballantine House, a beautifully preserved home built in 1885 by John Ballantine. It was like stepping back in time. One quirky highlight was a board game called G.O.A.T. they used to play—it’s kind of like Monopoly, but with its own unique twist. I found that especially fascinating. The gift shop had some lovely items, perfect for souvenirs, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout my visit. There's also plenty of entertainment and interactive exhibits for kids, making it a great spot for families as well. Whether you're in town for a few days or just have a long layover like I did, this museum is a fantastic place to spend a few hours. Highly recommended for both kids and adults!

Had an amazing time here celebrating my Twinny 's TINA Birthday ... The Made us so comfortable ... The hospitality was out of this world. They took care of each of us during the fun activities and we got to leave with a beautiful kente cloth ♥️🖤💚 It was a great time had by all. Felt like it was all of our birthdays 😀

Newark Museum was wonderful. The exhibits are outstanding. They had a excellent collection of topics represented by the material on display. The café had great coffee and the museum was not very crowded. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Must-Visit Gem in Newark — The Newark Museum of Art! 🎨✨ So, my cousin called me on a random weekday asking if I could do her a favor — be the auntie-on-duty and chaperone my niece’s school field trip since the parents weren’t available. I checked my calendar, saw a free day, and immediately said, “Yes, I’m in!” Come Wednesday morning, I met my niece at her school, hopped on the school bus with the students, and off we went to The Newark Museum of Art around 9 a.m. Everything was impressively organized — from check-in to the tour itself. The museum staff and tour guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about art and history. They walked us through each section, explaining the cultural background, artistic value, and historical stories behind every exhibit. I genuinely learned so much and gained a deeper appreciation for both global and local art. As someone who loves visiting art museums, I was amazed to see familiar pieces I’d once seen at the Atlanta Art Museum — right here in New Jersey! It’s like art finds a way to connect us wherever we go. The museum is very accessible and family-friendly. Parking was convenient, ramps and facilities were well-designed for visitors with disabilities, and all directions were clearly provided. Just a tip: book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re coming as a group of 10 or more. It saves you time and ensures a smooth experience. Due to privacy and safety, I didn’t take many photos inside since I was focused on keeping the kids safe, but trust me — the visuals, the vibe, and the educational experience are unforgettable. If you haven’t been, find time to visit The Newark Museum of Art. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in art, culture, and history — and to truly understand the stories behind each masterpiece. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just an art lover like me, this place is absolutely worth it! 💡 Highly recommended for school trips, families, or anyone looking to reconnect with creativity and culture right here in Newark.

Came to the Newark Museum of Art for their Art After Dark: Drip & Dagger event. This was my very first time ever getting to explore the Newark Museum of Art. My favorite part of the event was getting to tour the Ballantine House and getting to do the escape room during the event. They also have quite a few art installations to check out. Coming to one of there events was a good opportunity to see the Newark Museum. I noticed that they always have something going on at the museum. There are activities for the kiddos as well as adults. If you are looking for things to do around Jersey I definitely suggest checking out the Newark Museum of Art and looking at their social media page for upcoming events.

A customer from my job had came in suggested I visit. So on my day off that is exactly what I did. I was blown away. I was left amazed and had a satisfying visit. I even shared my favorites. ☆☆However, the 1st floor bathroom by the entrance was very big disappointing.☆☆ The stench & nastiness of the condition of the used unflushed toilets to say the least had me run in and out very quickly after usage. Please do better in regards to the upkeeping of your bathrooms. For that reason, I may or may not return with my granbaby. Im not sure yet. I would have given 5 stars yet I was traumatized at the end of my visit.

Kids had a great time. Would be 5 stars if family activity was open a little longer, not an issue just felt a little rushed. We really enjoyed the Ballentine house! Free tickets for military!

The catholic cathedral of Newark Arch Diocese. It is a huge church and it has many  beautiful stained glass windows. Many stone and marbles work inside and it has a very imposing structure both inside and out. It is a minor Basilica as well. The ornamental doors are magnificent.

A family friend had a mass said here for my mom (she passed away 3/16/25) at 5pm Saturday mass, 8/23/25. It was BEYOND beautiful! I grew up in Kearny and had never been to the basilica. I loved it so much that I decided to have two masses said for my mom every year around the anniversary of her death and her birthday. This brings me to why I’m doing this review. I called the office to arrange the masses and had the loveliest conversation with Darlene V. What an angel this woman is! She was so helpful, kind and listened while I talked about how much we loved the mass and how I missed my mom. She was so sincere and sweet. It solidified for me what a sacred church the basilica is! Thank you, Darlene! I hope the church knows what an angel they have in their office. 💕🙏🧘🏻‍♀️ talk to you in September. Pam

What a stunning holy ground. It was a beautiful morning bidding farewell to my friend’s mum, and also my first time at the renowned Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. What I thought would be a heavy, mourning heart turned into a moment of awe and quiet peace. The church is the most breathtaking I have ever seen, with its towering arches, intricate stained glass, and a presence that fills you with both reverence and calm.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark is truly breathtaking — a masterpiece of architecture and a place that feels timeless. From the moment you approach its towering spires and intricate stone carvings, you realize you’re standing before one of the most stunning cathedrals in the United States. The interior is even more inspiring. The stained glass windows flood the space with colorful light, and the soaring vaulted ceilings create a sense of peace and awe. Every detail, from the marble altars to the carved wood and mosaics, reflects extraordinary craftsmanship and devotion. Whether you’re religious or simply appreciate art, architecture, and history, this cathedral is worth a visit. The atmosphere is calm and spiritual, offering a quiet retreat from the city’s noise. The organ and choir performances are also world-class — the acoustics make every note resonate beautifully. It’s hard to believe such a magnificent European-style cathedral stands right here in Newark. The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is not just a church — it’s an experience of beauty, serenity, and inspiration.

This is a beautiful oldcathedral close to branch brook park. The windows are amazing as are the stations of the cross all done in spectacular mosaic artwork. I wasnt blessed enough to hear a mass today while visiting but was very pleased to walk through the cathedrals holy doors and enjoy some moments of quiet spiritual meditation while taking in the grandeur of the chuch. Take a moment to explore the choir loft also. The pipes are lovely and not very visible from below. Elevator accessible for those unable to climb the stairs.

Peaceful. Try not to visit during lunch without knowing if the building is open. Amazing history and I remember when the Pope visited and the Green helicopter landed across the street on the knoll.

Beautiful cathedral! You do have to be buzzed in, at least when I went, and someone is not always at the desk.

We went there a week past the peak blooms, but still enjoyed the park and the great atmosphere. In addition to the Cherry Blossoms, we were able to enjoy the great landscape design in multiple parts of Branch Brook Park that are easily accessible from this area. Enough parking for visitors who are passing through.

The welcome center was beautiful and clean. There's plenty of parking as well. I asked an old lady for informations and a map but the internet was more help and the map was $15 and not free. We went early on a cloudy and wet day. I should have made more research on when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom because I was disappointed at the lack of colors. Some areas were not maintained and there was a homeless person camping under the bridge. I guess I should have bought the map to help with the maintenence. Great place to stroll and run.

One of my favorite parks to enjoy the cherry blossoms. If you go to there website they will notify you for the best week to visit. There is plenty of parking en the main road of the park, you won’t dont mind walking because of the beautiful view of the cherry blossoms all around the walks of the park.

With spring officially here, New Jersey truly is the Garden State, as everything will start blooming—including cherry blossoms. Most people believe Washington, D.C. has the most cherry trees in the country. However, here is the real fact: Branch Brook Park, located in Newark and Belleville, actually holds the largest collection with 5,300 cherry blossom trees among 18 varieties. My partner and I went today among other enthusiasts on this cloudy, damp day. While they are only at their brightest for a few days, the season can last several weeks, peaking in the second or third week in April. As in previous years, the park is set to host the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, starting on April 5 and closing on April 13 with the Bloomfest and shouldn’t be missed.

Love Cherry Blossom festival! Traffic was horrendous. Took us 1.5 hours to make the 20min drive. The roads were blocked to facilitate the festival in various spots around Branch Brooke. Anticipation of the bloom, being in the present, enjoying its beauty and then meeting this old friend back after a year...it's all worth the hassle. Bring sandwiches, have a picnic, enjoy the beautiful trees and the herd of people!

Beautifully kept park and welcome center! Their softball fields were clean & new. Bathrooms were clean, even the portopotty outside wasn't terrible. Plenty of parking in the lot plus in surrounding neighborhood. Folks be sure not to park in handicap parking if you don't have tags! Police are quick here. Very safe and people were walking around NO homeless or shady characters in sight.

Lovely place with some helpful background history on the park and worth reading. Newly constructed as of 2024. Bathroom clean and water fountain for bottles available. Little souvenir store not yet opened in April 2024 but should be soon. Large classroom area. Nice playground for little ones nearby. Fields of cherry blossoms nice for walking for picnicking. Also portable bathrooms available on other side of parking lot which is convenient when you are picnicking in that area. Parking lot is amble with three hour parking limits. Roadside parking available in many places around the park also. Great place for family especially memorable during cherry blossoms. Take plenty of photos!

Trail along the water with various spots to snap a photo take in nature/birds, walk, bike, run or exercise. Ample seating throughout. Could us a clean up. There were clothes, shoes, and garbage hanging in trees and in the water. Some of what was hanging from the tree branches seemed intentional, possibly to raise awareness but it was unsightly and took away from the beauty of nature. Disheartening to see the investment of development across the water but not on the side I was on. I sure hope the area is invested in, in ways that maintains affordability for the community.

Nice location. We were there for a soccer match. Nice field area was clean. Parking was a bit confusing. Playground was nice. The only thing that it was missing was a sun shade type. 95deg and it was hot. the kids could not enjoy the playground.

This was my first time visiting Riverfront Park and it was beautiful. Plenty of space to relax and chill. There's also a playground for the kids and a few courts to play basketball/tennis. What impressed me most was how clean the bathrooms were! Clearly, the Parks Department takes great care of the grounds. I'll definitely be back to visit.

The Riverfront has Underwent lots of changes over the past 10 years. This park was an amazing addition to this once blighted area which was riddled with environmental issues. The park gas brought so many different faces into the community and not just to drive through it but to come hang and spend time here. The events are often fun and full of good energy, food & music. Lots of people use the park daily for their daily workouts. The park features some interesting things from soccer & baseball field to stationary workout equipment plus seating in areas where you feel tucked away & get to enjoy a view of the water. There are some disappointing things here like repairs that need to be made, some more management around landscaping would be great here. Also an upgrade needs to happen at the parks centerpiece which is an art sculpture that is called the Orange sticks. It may be an artistic analogy for the orange walking path that leads in the direction of Newarks famous barely spoken about Superfund site. Where in the 1970s a manufacturing company known as Diamomd Alkali - Diamond Shamrock, use to make a poisonous Chemical known as Agent Orange. The byproduct of This chemical is known as Dioxin and it has seeped into the soil which will be in the ground for decades to come. The location is known as one of NJ notorious & biggest Superfund site. (Ironically Hello Fresh sits literally nextdoor) During the war Monsanto, Dow and other companies were compelled to produce this chemical by the U.S. Government. Agent Orange is a herbicide and defoliant chemical, one of the "tactical use" Rainbow Herbicides. Its It is widely known for its use by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. (KNOWLEDGE IS POWER)

Ok park for little ones,a bonus was that the sprinklers were on.But the playground equipment could be better cared for/cleaned.

A lovely park. An 8 mile walking trail, mini gym, calm, serene atmosphere. With courts for basketball and much more.

I made a picnic birthday party to my girl there...it was awesome!!! The park is great ! I love it!

Very frustrating experience. Impossible to reach advising or other important departments. Not by phone, not in person. Kid will likely be dropping out after first semester.

I don't have no problems with the clinic the only problem is the emergency room the worst emergency room ever seen

If you can go to another school, the financial aide department is a joke. Nothing to do on campus, luckily New York is near. Also Trains out of town completely are only bonuses. They are a money hungry school they do not care about the students. I did like a few of my professors and met a pretty cool Dean there. Over all experience and after taste just bad. For your own sake pick another school unless you are just there for sports or business.

A great university with a great criminal justice program!

A nice college campus to go to because it's almost like an oasis in the relative cesspool that is Newark, NJ. While it gives off an historic feel it is obvious that the place is very old and has not been properly renovated in a long time. I guess Rutgers as a whole does not share the money equally between the campuses because I've been to the New Brunswick campus and it's far and away more modern than Newark. That said there's lots of stuff to do on campus besides go to class. Security is always an issue but between the guard and RUPD the place is relatively safe. There have been a few incidents but in all this is safer place in Newark.

Love this school. Miss it good ol' times.

I am a student here. There is nothing to do here unless there is an event going on and that happens rarely.

full of crackheads . bunch of needles thrown around . bunch of garbage everywere . not a park were anyone wants to go at all . just a bunch of junkies living in tents getting high day and night. city of newark doesnt care about this place . they dont clean it up . or remove these crackheads out of there . should be closed down . very dangerous for anyone to even walk in there or even walk a dog in there .

Quite the baby of a little baby kind of park. Trash all over and I guess to the local residents this is the best sized park they get to enjoy. Hardly saw anyone in the park and not sure even if the locals actually use the park. Mostly encountered lots of trash and dog doodle. Easy to get to and out and find parking as well but not worth it.

Small lovely public park located next to Route 21. The open entrance is at the corner of Parkhurst St. & Tichenor Ln. It is a grassy open space with a few benches and great for sitting to read, relax, have lunch/picnic or just a healthy walk along the perimeter. Also, handicap accessible. The park is named after the late prominent Newark attorney and civil rights leader Raymond A. Brown.

Its pretty little park considering its at the end of no man's land and stuck on the opposite side is 21. Its a spot for many people to sit for those that have no place to go. But people are in their doing their drugs and lord only knows what so be careful if you go in there dont step on a neeedle.

I didn't know about this new park. Ubiquity Soul entertainment gave up pop up party there & it was awesome! It's a great little park to have events at.

Small park in the midst of urban noise that makes for a wonderful family hangout spot. It is beautiful and peaceful.

It's next to the Highway. There's 7 benches, grass and trees, THAT'S ALL 🤔. Most people come to walk there dogs.

Surrounded by not the greatest neighborhood but the people are nice enough, everyone is to themselves, the children play and make friends but as young as they were, they were cursing. Overall going after school and staying until 5:30 is recommended. My children had a great time, my youngest slept through it all. There isn't a lot of parking but at certain times there's parking available. Walking can be done bit there are a lot of hills.

I like to go here for a walk just to clear my head sometimes ..there's a lot of areas to walk, run or exercise in general. In fact many soccer games and football games happen daily ...makes for good entertainment when I'm taking a stroll. My only complaint is that some of the pavers are being completely lifted up my the roots of trees so I'd love to see that taken care of at some point.

The track is nice and alllows you to get a good workout, but it seems that the track is now consumed by Latino soccer teams that take over the whole field. They have baby strollers, beer bottles and food truck lines all over the place so you cant use the track at all.

It was very cute, the city should clean up all the garbage. If there was no garbage it would be a 5 star rating. Small playground, perfect for all ages.

Such a beautiful park but I would not recommend taking your children here especially if you are not from the area … Teenagers are always smoking while the children are playing , always fighting (not a day where I went and I didn’t see a fight or a fight about to happen , stolen cars driving by while police across the street do nothing & shootings happening randomly in every area around the park !! I hate that I can’t take my children to enjoy themselves at such a beautiful park …

I took off one star for all the trash on the ground in the childrens play area. But other than that my son had fun and I felt safe

Nice playground, clean, the water mist is great since no shade

Really nice pool and splash park. The staff were very polite and recognized my son had autism and made his experience very enjoyable. Pool is less than 4 ft in depth so anyone at any swimming level can have a good pool experience.

Pool is warm I love that . Sprinkles are cold my kids didn't want to get in . And the lifeguard dark-skinned she was telling people not to run I understand they is not supposed be running but she said in a really rude way she said" my chi

I want to no who do I speak to about those grown men I saw today being to friendly with the underage girls those life guards should not be playing with those little girls like that at the camp those girls were about 10-12 that was out of line what I saw it was flirting

This place is always closed. This is my third time going there and it’s closed again. I don’t know what time they open but normally parks open up around 9 o’clock and I went there at nine. I went there at 10 on another occasion and I went there currently again at 9:30 and this park was closed.

Very nice neighborhood park. Has two pools, basketball courts, kids playground.

Poor poor poor. It's the absolute worse, staff won't open the splash pad for kids because the staff is to busy with inappropriate convo. nobody wants to open the pad for toddlers because they're to busy talking, profanity full convo so nobody wants to tend to the duty. It's poor, staff worse of anything I've experienced. Sorry

Yea until the nigglins come and mess things up. People want things rebuilt..... that cost money and time. Im hoping it stays nice and the ghettos dont destroy it. It only hurts the kids and also spoils it for the good people that go there.

The park is just the walkthrough part is nowhere to sit is nowhere to go and say I want to have a picnic it's just a beautiful Scenic walkthrough Park to get you from one building to the next in that area cuz the Newark Museum is located there the administrative courts is located there the Newark New Jersey library is located there it's a business area the park is always kept clean the pads are always walkable it's a scenic route

Wonderful free museum piece. So informative and a powerful testament to a true hero.

Harriet Tubman Monument. This new monument in downtown Newark is worth going to see, especially at dusk when it’s just being illuminated. Located in Harriet Tubman Square (former Washington Park), the monument commemorates & celebrates the courageous life of Harriet Tubman and her work as an abolitionist. I’m not sure who created it, but they did a phenomenal job integrating various building materials, lighting and overall design is amazing.

So underwhelming . There is portable toilet near by. This place seems like a good hangout place for small outdoor sports and just taking a walk around it. Not the quiet kind where you can just rest for the day.

Visiting audible. It was a treat to see how ideas come to life. If you ever get an invite. Say yes and enjoy!

Why honoring Harriet Tubman by erasing the name of the Founder Father and putting down statues that were paid for former Newark citizens and represent their community? So many empty lots in Newark would have been a good place to built a Square in honor to this incredible woman. That's not the right way to do it.

There are always so many different types of programs going on in the park like yoga, karate, chess, late night movies, kids playtime and much more. There's also a little restaurant and public bathrooms in the park. A great place to take the kids to have some fun.

Great place to meet with friends and family. Especially those who love history

Looks amazing thanks to CDS ... total face-lift 👍🏽😁

Quiet Park to gather your THOUGHTS & regain your CLARITY..!!!🙈🙉🙊🙏

Very good place where my church and I go to feed the less fortunate. We will be back after we get our permit.

In theory this should be a nice place to bring kids and maybe to do some sunbathing and people watching while waiting for somebody coming out of Newark Penn or just killing time. In reality it's usually filled with homeless people, Church groups that feed the homeless people but never clean up which is why there's a huge rat problem because of it. There's a war memorial that's fenced up that looks filthy and has trash in it. In order for it to get better the area has to get better

Great intersection for getting information to the people!

This used to be just a regular park. Some homeless folks milling about; but hey, that’s the country we live in . No use pretending it’s not a problem. The veterans memorial was not well thought out, the design creates a secluded area that the above mentioned homeless folks will inevitably use as a toilet. The monument to immigrants is frankly an eyesore. The poem by the local councilman just adds insult to injury.

Beautiful, small location. Great views all year long. Such a vital part of the community.

Great place to hang and also a prime spot for 4th of July Fireworks every year!

My grandkids really enjoyed visiting this park. They love everything about the bay area of Lavallette.

Beautiful park & beach on the bay. Good choice for families with young children. CAUTION: parking and beach access require BOTH resident permit + beach pass. If you don't have, you will get a ticket.

Great place to see some amazing sunsets

Courts usually busy. Also recommend Ortley courts

Beautiful place to sit and watch the sunset.

This park is not maintained well. It's aging and falling apart. It's time to gut that park and redesign and update it for the children. I don't ever see the police patrol that park anymore, which adds to undesirables hanging in that park. I feel bad for the charter school that has to use that park for recess. Newark, we need to do better

It was empty, dirty and unkept. My grandson who is 3, loved it. I would only go here in the afternoon, it looked to be a hangout after hours.

I grew up from the age of twelve to 30,years old hanging in MILDRED HELMS (COOPER)PARK,THEY were some of the best years of my life😎👑💯❤🖤✌!

If you know ya place to live then being at this park with an reason to just injoy the site of green then know from experience every one is supposed to be inside not at park in the night unless late grilling burgers by the nwk been right there like um last buger ok.. great park to view the greenside.

Don't hate the place just needs some work , cleaned up more security measures to be taken

I basically live in this park during the summer

It needs quite a bit of work done; but I still enjoy bringing my children here to play.

2 full courts, one entrance may look close, a baseball field as well, the nets are a little worn out, but in other cases it alright

What a great place to retreat to on the weekend. We need more kids to sign up for Little League during the summer. I grew up playing baseball in this field.

Zoo Crew Summer League Program

The baseball field is going through reconstruction.. It looks like it will be as attractive and functional as the basketball courts.

Location sucks but the field itself is nice

Where i played little league baseball wonderful time back then

Great RECREATION place for Baseball and Basketball Leagues.