Newark Nature

During the design of Newark, New Jersey’s first riverfront parks, undertaken after two decades of community organizing for environmental justice led by Ironbound Community Corporation and others, residents insisted that any new public spaces be designed to tell the story of the struggle for their creation. In response, the Newark Planning Office/Hector, MTWTF, and Weintraub Diaz worked with community groups, history buffs, environmentalists, engineers and others to create a set of interpretive landscape elements including narrative logs, figural railings, routed maps, a fold-out Riverfront Guide, a monument to a beloved eco-feminist nun, an orange boardwalk, and a psychedelic mural. Together, these eccentric characters introduce visitors to powerful stories and spirits of Newark’s river. Join a discussion where designers from Hector and MTWTF will interview their clients including park friends, open space advocates, and event organizers about this attempt to use design to enhance, extend, and celebrate Newark’s nature.

* First fifty attendees get a free Newark Riverfront Guide. 

Clients: City of Newark, Essex County Parks System, The Trust for Public Land, Ironbound Community Corporation, Friends of Riverfront Park

Glen Cummings, MTWTF
Marcy DePina, Newark Riverfront Revival
Scott Dvorak, The Trust for Public Land, Parks for People-Newark
Pedro Gonçalves, MTWTF
Damon Rich, Hector
Jae Shin, Hector
Lenny Thomas, Friends of Riverfront Park
Sumorwuo Zaza, Newark Riverfront Revival