Newark Park Stewardship

Published: May 11th, 2015

Neighbors’ participation in park design and development brings many benefits–and community involvement doesn’t stop when construction is complete. The Trust for Public Land’s focus on stewardship is one way we help create a positive impact and inspire long term change in Newark neighborhoods.

Three main strategies support our stewardship vision in Newark:

• Establishing and supporting volunteer “friends of the park” groups
• Assisting with funding efforts to promote community cohesion
• Building partnerships with the City of Newark, Newark Public Schools, and local nonprofit and grassroots community groups to sponsor activities, events, and programs at the parks

We currently support volunteer groups at Nat Turner Park, Jesse Allen Park, Mildred Helms Park, Quitman Street School, Mount Vernon Street School, Peace Park, McKinley Street School, Louise A. Spencer School, and Sussex Avenue School. As a result of Parks for People – Newark’s organizing and coordination efforts, these volunteer groups founded United Parks as One, a network of Newark “friends” groups that shares best practices for community park support.