For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK RE-OPENS ELWOOD PARK AFTER REHABILITATION OF HISTORIC GREEN SPACE

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

Newark, NJ – March 17, 2009 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, North Ward Council Member Anibal Ramos, Jr., and local community members cut the ribbon to re-open 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 gained new concrete walks, curb cuts, brick piers, decorative iron fences, site lighting, game tables, landscaping, and park benches.

"The re-opening of this historic green space reflects my administration's commitment to providing quality parks and recreation in every ward and neighborhood," Mayor Booker said. "Today the residents of the North Ward regain a historic site as a park in which to rest and relax. This is what Newark is about right now, all of us coming together with a common vision. We are literally transforming the geography of our city to make it safer and greener."

The renovation of the park was designed by Medina Consultants of Newark and contractor for the project was Tec-Con Contractors, Inc., a female-owned business. The cost of the renovation was $665,000, said City Architect Robert Dooley. The renovation of the park was 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. Today our residents are re-gaining this park and it will once again be a place for families and residents to enjoy," said Council Member Ramos.

"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 have transformed 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 that was renovated last year, including Boys' Park, First Street Park, and Thomas Silk Park, all in the Central Ward, and Liberty Park in the City's East Ward.

The City of Newark is in the midst of its biggest park expansion and rehabilitation initiative in more than a century. The City, working with GreenSpaces, a public/private partnership, and the Trust for Public Land, has committed $40 million for parks in our City. Thus far, Newark has completed new parks and fields at St. Peter's Park, Ironbound B Field, Boys Park, and, in cooperation with the Newark Public Schools, has built a new athletic complex at Weequahic High School. Parks will soon be under construction in every ward, with a total of 20 new or enhanced parks planned for completion by the end of 2010.

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