Nov 72 min read

Weequahic Park 2024

The Weequahic Park Sports Authority Conservancy (WPSAC) partnered with Rutgers Newark students for community engagement event aimed at revitalizing and restoring the historic Divident Hill.

. On Saturday, October 19, 2024, volunteers and community members came together to help assist Essex County Parks revitalize one of Newark’s most cherished green spaces, ensuring it remains a safe and inviting place for generations to come.

This initiative, called the "Safe Park Initiative", focuses on preserving Weequahic Park’s historical significance while improving its facilities and environment to enhance the safety and enjoyment of park goers and the local residents. The event featured hands-on activities including landscaping, plant and trees maintenance with Essex County Master Gardeners.

This initiative has been in effect since the creation of WPSPC in 2012, for years the members of Weequahic Park Sports Authority, cleanup efforts, and debris removals—all designed to help restore the park's natural beauty and recreational value.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Weequahic Park, Newark, NJ
Who’s Invited: Local residents, volunteers, Rutgers Newark students, and community organizations

“Weequahic Park has long been a vital part of the Newark community, and it is important that we work together to preserve and enhance it for current and future generations,” said Douglas Freeman, President of the Weequahic Park Sports Authority Conservancy. “

This event focused on the restoration of the park, but also on strengthening community bonds, promoting public safety, and ensuring a space for recreational activities that everyone can enjoy.”

The event featured opportunities for attendees to engage with Weequahic Park Sports Authority Conservancy, learn about the history of Weequahic Park, and hear from community leaders about future park improvement plans.

Rutgers Newark students will play a key role in this initiative, with many of them participating in the event as part of their commitment to community service. The students worked alongside local residents, park enthusiasts, and volunteers to tackle projects that directly contributed to the park’s revitalization and long-term preservation.

About Weequahic Park Sports Authority Conservancy (WPSAC):

The Weequahic Park Sports Authority Conservancy (formed in 2012) is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with Essex County to restore, revitalize, and improve the county park while providing the fundamentals of various sports and enrichment activities for the youth in the community. Through community engagement, education, and partnerships, WPSAC works to restore the park to its historical splendor and ensure it remains a vital resource for the Newark community.

About Rutgers Newark:

Rutgers Newark is a part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and is committed to engaging students in service-learning, community partnerships, and projects that support the well-being and development of the Newark community.

For more information about the event or to volunteer, please visit weequahicpark.com or contact (973) 877-9772.

Media Contact:

Weequahic Park Sports Authority Conservancy

Phone: (973) 877-9772