For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK BREAKS GROUND AT ELWOOD PARK FOR REHABILITATION OF HISTORIC GREEN SPACE

North Ward Park which was once used as a campground for General George Washington’s Army will get new greenery, paving and furniture

Newark, NJ – September 20, 2008 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, North Ward Council Member Anibal Ramos, Jr., and local community members broke ground today for the renovation of historic Elwood Park, a triangle-shaped green space in Newark’s North Ward that once sheltered George Washington’s troops as they retreated from the British Army in 1776.

Deeded to the City in 1892 by the estate of John Morris Phillips, the 19th-century ironworks magnate, the park provides its North Ward neighborhood with trees and open space. Under the Department of Engineering’s plans, the park will gain new concrete walks, curb cuts, brick piers, decorative iron fences, site lighting, game tables, landscaping, and park benches.

“This week, we completed renovations on Liberty Park in our East Ward, began work on renovating three parks in our Central Ward, and today we are breaking ground for renovations on a historic park in our North Ward, which manifests our administration’s commitment to providing quality parks and recreation in every ward and neighborhood,” Mayor Booker said.

The renovation of the park was designed by Medina Consultants of Newark and contractor for the project is Tec-Con Contractors, Inc., a female-owned business. The cost of the renovation is $665,000, said City Architect Robert Dooley. The renovation of the park is expected to be completed by this December is being funded through the city’s capital budget. The park is near Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Elliott Street School, Luis Munoz Marin Middle School and a few local charter schools.

“Elwood Park was one of the first projects that I spoke to Mayor Booker about upon taking office. Although it is a small pocket park, it is at the center of the Summer Avenue North Ward community. Many local residents frequent the park for recreation, conversation, fun and games. The agreed-upon design includes domino tables, historic amenities, trees and open areas and it was developed in collaboration with our local community,” said Council Member Ramos, Jr.

“The renovation of Elwood Park is a big step forward for our community and this demonstrates that the administration really cares about the condition of our city parks. Elwood Park has been used as a gathering place for North Ward residents for years and we greatly appreciate the renovations which will transform this park into a beautiful recreational area,” said Fr. Luis Gonzalez, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel and Immaculate Conception Churches. Both churches are in close proximity to the park.

The park was used as an encampment by Washington’s army during their October 1776 retreat from New York City to Pennsylvania, after British and Hessian troops conquered Manhattan Island. It subsequently became part of the Philips estate. A fan of Napoleon Bonaparte, Phillips planted a willow tree there drawn from a transplanted shoot from Napoleon’s original burial site on the South Atlantic island of St. Helena. In 1892, some 14 years after Phillips’ death, the park was presented to the City of Newark. A plaque was placed in 1932 to honor Washington’s army.

The park is often used for musical performances and community festivals. The park is one of eight undergoing renovation projects, which will be completed by year’s end. On Monday, Mayor Booker broke ground for rehabilitation of three Central Ward parks, Boys’ Park, First Street Park, and Thomas Silk Park, and last Saturday, marked the completion of renovations at Liberty Park in the City’s East Ward.

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