#	Park Name	Key Features and Amenities	Unique Aspects
1	Branch Brook Park	Cherry blossom trees, lawns, lakes, athletic fields, walking paths	Largest collection of cherry blossoms
2	Weequahic Park	Lake, golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds	2.2-mile loop around the lake
3	Lincoln Park	Baseball, softball fields, basketball, tennis courts	Hosts summer games and tournaments
4	Independence Park	Hiking trails, athletic fields, dog run	Historic significance, river views
5	Riverfront Park	Lawns, walking paths, promenade, performance pavilion	Urban oasis with skyline views
6	Jesse Allen Park	Oval lawn, walking paths, basketball courts	Adjacent to Newark Broad Street Station
7	Nat Turner Park	Baseball, basketball courts, playground	Named after Nat Turner
8	Newark Riverfront Park	Trails, sports fields, boat launches, skate park	Part of Newark River Walk
9	Military Park	Benches, café, lawns, performance stages	Central location in downtown Newark
10	Watsessing Park	Woodlands, athletic fields, swimming pool, tennis courts	Large park with diverse amenities
11	Vailsburg Park	Sports fields, walking paths, historic diner	Victorian garden cemetery origin
12	Riverbank Park	Walking paths, river overlooks, Reflection Garden	Historical plaques, scenic river views

Here is a look at 12 of the top parks and outdoor spaces in Newark.

Branch Brook Park

Name and Location: Branch Brook Park, Heller Pkwy, Newark, NJ 07107

History and Significance: Opened in 1895, it is the oldest county park in the U.S. Home to the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the country.

What to Expect: Visitors can stroll, jog or bike ride through this urban oasis. The cherry blossoms are stunning in spring.

Visitor Information: Open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission.

Designed by legendary landscape architects the Olmsted Brothers, Branch Brook Park spans over 360 acres just north of downtown Newark. Its most famous feature is the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, with over 4,000 Japanese flowering cherry trees.

In springtime, the cherry blossom display here rivals that of Washington, D.C. The park also contains gorgeous lawns, lakes, athletic fields, walking paths, and a playground. Events like the annual Cherry Blossom Festival celebrate this Newark jewel.

Weequahic Park

Name and Location: Weequahic Park, Meeker Ave, Newark, NJ 07112

History and Significance: Historic 311-acre park designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm in the early 1900s. Features a large lake.

What to Expect: Walking paths, playgrounds, ballfields, golf course, and boat rentals on the 80-acre lake. Popular site for family recreation.

Visitor Information: Open daily from dawn until dusk. Free admission.

Located in Newark’s Weequahic neighborhood, this 311-acre park provides plenty of recreational amenities. Weequahic Park features 80 acres of lake, a 2.2-mile loop around the lake popular with walkers and runners, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, baseball fields, football stadium, track, and playgrounds.

The park also contains Weequahic Hill, which offers scenic views from its summit. With diverse activities and peaceful natural beauty, Weequahic Park is a fantastic community space.

Lincoln Park

Name and Location: Lincoln Park, 1186 Edison Pl, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Historic city park opened in 1906, named for Abraham Lincoln. Home to notable statues and art.

What to Expect: Green space with statues of Lincoln, horseback riding trails, sports fields and a recreation center.

Visitor Information: Open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission.

Lincoln Park stretches over 120 green acres in Newark’s East Ward. Baseball and softball fields make up a large portion of the park – it hosts games and tournaments during summer. Lincoln Park also encompasses basketball courts, tennis courts, open lawn areas for picnics and lounging, and a playground.

The loop road circling the park provides a nice walking path. In December, Lincoln Park hosts an excellent holiday lights display. The park’s recreational facilities and welcoming vibe make it a neighborhood fixture.

Independence Park

Name and Location: Independence Park, 44 Park Pl, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Small downtown park dedicated in 1776 honoring the nation’s independence. Common lunch spot.

What to Expect: Benches and open green space to enjoy in the city center. Popular spot for office workers on breaks.

Visitor Information: Open daily. Free admission.

Named for its role in Revolutionary War history, Independence Park spans 60 acres near the banks of the Passaic River. Hiking trails traverse the park’s naturalistic landscape. Ruins from an 18th century home that belonged to Declaration of Independence signer Robert Treat still stand on the grounds today.

The park also contains athletic fields, barbecue grills for picnics, and an off-leash dog run. Sweeping views of the Newark skyline and vantage points to watch the nearby waterfall at Great Falls National Historical Park can be taken in as well.

Riverfront Park

Name and Location: Riverfront Park, Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Opened in 2012, this waterfront park connects downtown Newark to the Passaic River.

What to Expect: Stroll along the riverwalk, have a picnic, and enjoy views of Newark’s skyline. The park hosts events and concerts.

Visitor Information: Open daily 6am-11pm. Free admission.

This scenic park borders the Passaic River in downtown Newark, creating an urban oasis. Visitors will find sprawling lawns for picnics or playing, walking paths, and a promenade with excellent views of the Newark skyline across the river.

A performance pavilion stages concerts and events during warmer months. The park also contains a playground, ping pong and chess tables, and a dog run. Public art installations like the Gateway Sculpture serve as landmarks. With its location and amenities, Riverfront Park invites both recreation and relaxation.

Jesse Allen Park

Name and Location: Jesse Allen Park, Cherry St, Newark, NJ 07103

History and Significance: Historic neighborhood park originally part of Roosevelt Park, founded in the early 1900s.

What to Expect: Baseball diamonds, tennis courts, playgrounds and green space. Popular gathering spot for residents.

Visitor Information: Open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission.

Conveniently located adjacent to the Newark Broad Street train station, Jesse Allen Park spans 23 acres. This downtown park contains a large oval lawn encircled by walking paths, blooming garden beds and flower displays, and stately old shade trees.

The lawn provides space for gatherings, reading, or simply unwinding amidst the urban backdrop. Basketball courts and a playground also allow recreational activities in Jesse Allen Park, making it a vibrant community space and downtown oasis.

Nat Turner Park

Name and Location: Nat Turner Park, Chestnut St & Thomas Blvd, Newark, NJ

History and Significance: Small neighborhood park named for slave rebellion leader Nat Turner. Has tennis and basketball courts.

What to Expect: Outdoor recreational facilities like tennis, basketball, playgrounds and sitting areas.

Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-dusk. Free admission.

Named for the leader of a major 1831 slave rebellion, Nat Turner Park stretches across 18 acres near Newark’s Ivy Hill neighborhood. Baseball and softball fields accommodate little league games and practices. The park also contains basketball courts, handball courts, and bocce ball courts.

Playground equipment, walking paths, and shaded benches invite community members of all ages to enjoy leisure time outdoors. Nat Turner Park offers a friendly neighborhood environment for both sports and relaxation.

Newark Riverfront Park

Name and Location: Newark Riverfront Park, Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Waterfront park opened in 2012 linking downtown Newark to the Passaic River.

What to Expect: Riverwalk, boat launches, open lawns, playgrounds and views of the Newark skyline.

Visitor Information: Open daily 6am-11pm. Free admission.

This scenic riverside park spans 50 acres along 4,000 feet of Passaic River waterfront. Newark Riverfront Park contains walking and biking trails that are part of the larger Newark River Walk connecting various city parks and attractions.

The central Great Lawn provides open green space for play, while a plaza stages concerts and events. Also on site are several sports fields, boat/kayak launches, a skate park, chess tables, and public art installations. Sweeping river views can be admired from the pedestrian bridge.

Military Park

Name and Location: Military Park, Park Pl, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Public square established in 1667, the city’s oldest park. Named for colonists training here.

What to Expect: Benches, open lawn, seasonal ice skating rink. Location of many public events and gatherings.

Visitor Information: Open daily. Free admission.

Located in the heart of downtown Newark, Military Park spans 6 acres and provides a community gathering place amidst the city. Benches, a café kiosk, open lawns, Performance stages and seasonal farmer’s markets all invite visitors to enjoy this urban oasis.

The park underwent major renovations between 2011-2016, improving walkways, plantings, lighting and amenities. A restaurant and additional green space were added. Surrounded by Newark’s bustling central business district, Military Park acts as a hub.

Watsessing Park

Name and Location: Watsessing Park, Bloomfield Ave & Sanford Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018

History and Significance: Historic Essex County park originally part of Watsessing Farm estate, founded in 1896.

What to Expect: Athletic fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, dog park, wooded trails. Site of concerts and events.

Visitor Information: Open daily 8am until dusk. Free admission.

Spanning 168 acres, Watsessing Park is one of Newark’s largest. This Bloomfield neighborhood park contains woodlands, streams, hiking trails, athletic fields, a swimming pool with water slides, playgrounds, rollerblading areas, tennis courts, picnic facilities and more.

The outdoor swimming complex is especially popular in summer. Various animals like ducks inhabit the park’s ponds and streams as well. Watsessing Park’s size and abundance of amenities allow year-round recreation.

Vailsburg Park

Name and Location: Vailsburg Park, South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07112

History and Significance: 38-acre park in the Vailsburg neighborhood with tennis courts, playgrounds and fields.

What to Expect: Baseball diamonds, basketball courts, playgrounds, and open space for recreation. Popular neighborhood park.

Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-dusk. Free admission.

Originally a Victorian garden cemetery, today Vailsburg Park spans 57 acres and serves as an important community recreation hub. Baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts and a playground accommodate sports and games.

Walking paths wind through open meadows. The historic Weequahic Diner was relocated here in 2008 and now serves food within the park. Vailsburg Park’s blend of athletic facilities, open space and striking history give it unique appeal.

Riverbank Park

Name and Location: Riverbank Park, Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Waterfront park along the Passaic River, part of the Newark Riverfront redevelopment. Open lawn areas.

What to Expect: Benches, paths, boat launches and open green space along the river. Views of Newark’s skyline.

Visitor Information: Open daily from 6am-11pm. Free admission.

Set against the Passaic River, this 28-acre park features walking paths, scenic river overlooks, and links to the Newark riverfront trail system. Historical plaques commemorate Newark’s past, like its start as a 17th century Puritan settlement. Open grassy areas provide space for games and relaxing.

The central Reflection Garden contains benches and a fountain for unwinding amidst nature. Sweeping views of the adjacent Dundee Dam and waterfall at the Great Falls of the Passaic Historic District can also be enjoyed. Riverbank Park integrates recreation, scenery and local history.

Conclusion

From neighborhood parks ideal for sports and gatherings to riverfront green spaces showcasing Newark’s scenic side, the city offers diverse outdoor options. Newark’s parks provide recreation, relaxation, natural beauty and important links to history, culture and community.

Branch Brook Park’s spectacular cherry blossoms every spring attract visitors worldwide. Wooded parks like Independence give city dwellers access to nature. Downtown parks like Military act as thriving community hubs. For outdoor experiences within an urban landscape, Newark’s stellar parks deliver.