Riverfront Park
Harriet Tubman Square
The City’s Waterfront Promenade
Since Newark’s founding in the mid-1600s, the growth and prosperity of the city has been closely linked to the Passaic River. Yet, for many decades, the community was separated from the river. To address the need for more green space in such a densely populated area, the first phase of Riverfront Park was completed in August 2013, with support from the City of Newark, County of Essex, The Trust for Public Land, Ironbound Community Corporation, Friends of Riverfront Park and other partners. Since 2013, phases two and three have been completed to include a walking trail sponsored by Horizon NJ and a Fitness Zone sponsored by Healthcare Foundation of NJ. Phase four of Riverfront Park will open in Summer 2025, marking the park’s expansion into the downtown district, and featuring an outdoor amphitheater, walking paths, and art wall, and kiosks for local vendors.
In the summer months, the park is a venue for events and activities, attracting visitors and residents from all the city’s wards thanks to Newark Riverfront Revival. Festivals, music, chess, art shows, poetry and spoken word gatherings, kayaking, boat tours, and adult rowing classes with Brick City Rowing are just some of the many offerings at the park.
Sounds of Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park Highlights
Riverfront Park Expansion
Phase C of Riverfront Park Grand Opening - June 21, 2025
Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Deputy Mayor/Director of Economic and Housing Development Allison Ladd, NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, Council President C. Lawrence Crump, and Newark City Parks Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Marcy S. DePina today cut the ribbon to officially open Phase C of Newark Riverfront Park, also known as “The Notch” in October of 2024.
“The creation of Riverfront Park represents collaboration at its best,” said Mayor Baraka. “Residents shared their vision for a waterfront park, and that vision is being made a reality by the City of Newark, NJDEP, Essex County, the Federal Government, The Trust for Public Land, and others. Together, we are transforming Newark’s waterfront and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, I am pleased to announce today that the Newark City Parks Foundation has been chosen to maintain Phase C and provide programming for it.”
"Newark City Parks Foundation is proud to continue the powerful work that the City of Newark, citizens of the city, and a multitude of stakeholders have contributed in reconnecting the city with its river through the creation and expansion of Riverfront Park,” said Ms. DePina. What began as a dream has turned into a reality, improving the quality of life for Newarkers, by providing access to a beautiful green and blue space and high-quality free programs for all who visit it."
“It is a thrilling moment to witness the ribbon cutting for ‘The Notch’ phase of this project to further transform Newark’s Riverfront Park into a major destination for residents and visitors,” New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “The work done during the past decade to connect the city and Ironbound to the Passaic River, add parkland and expand the property even further is an inspiring commitment and testament to how partnerships work to give communities healthy, green spaces where children can play, families can gather, and people can enjoy nature. This is a great day for the City of Newark.”
The new public space extends along the Passaic River from Dock Railroad Bridge to NJPAC and includes a riverfront walkway with accessible features, an amphitheater, art wall, and three food kiosks. This moment marks a key milestone in the City's vision to transform Newark's waterfront into a world-class place of recreation and enjoyment by residents and guests. Ultimately, the park will extend from the Ironbound riverfront to the North Ward.
Since Newark’s founding in the mid-1600s, the growth and prosperity of the city has been closely linked to the Passaic River. Yet for many decades, the community was alienated from the river in virtually every way. With few green spaces in a densely populated area, the city needed more parks. Together, the people of Newark are creating a healthy, vibrant riverfront worthy of the city’s greatness.
The first phase of Newark Riverfront Park was completed in August 2013 and now connects downtown Newark and the Ironbound to the Passaic River. In the summer months, the park is a venue for events and activities, attracting residents from all of the city’s wards as well as visitors from outside the city thanks to Newark Riverfront Revival. From day-long festivals, art shows, yoga and Zumba classes, poetry and spoken word gatherings, chess, hip hop, kayaking, walking and boat tours – there is something for everyone at Riverfront Park.
In 2017, four more acres of park land was added along the Passaic River. A signature feature is the Horizon Wellness Trail, which is marked at 1/8 mile intervals to help encourage and track progress toward fitness goals. The trail also features a Fitness Zone® and connects to adjacent sports fields, playground, and a running track.
Further development in 2018 expanded the park underneath the Jackson Street Bridge which features a tribute mural “Detox the River” in honor of famed Newark artist Jerry Gant. Additional green space and a boardwalk extends along the river to the Welcome Wall at Madison Street. While the newest section between The Dock Railroad Bridge and NJPAC opened today, construction to further Riverfront Park continues.
Community Stewardship | Collaboration | Care
Friends of Riverfront Park
Friends of Riverfront Park is a dedicated group of residents, stakeholders, and community advocates who serve as stewards of Riverfront Park. United by a shared commitment to the park’s vitality, beauty, and accessibility, the group works together to uplift this cherished public space through collaboration, feedback, community engagement and fundraising.
Join us and be part of shaping the future of Riverfront Park.
The group meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 5 PM via Zoom to:
Discuss park concerns and community needs
Share ideas for programming and park improvements
Collaborate with city departments and local organizations
Build stronger connections between the park and the people it serves
Whether you're a neighbor, park user, or passionate advocate, Friends of Riverfront Park welcomes your voice and participation as we work to ensure the park remains a vibrant, welcoming space for all.
Park Moments
