Plans for Newark Section of the Greenway Unveiled at Open House

Construction of New Jersey's newest state park set to begin in 2025, transforming a former rail line into a recreational and transit corridor.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and NJ TRANSIT hosted an open house on Wednesday to reveal plans for the first section of the Greenway, a nine-mile state park that will transform a former rail line in Essex and Hudson counties into a linear recreational and transit corridor. Construction is expected to begin in Newark in 2025.

Focus on Newark: A Greenway Milestone

DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced that Newark will be the starting point for the Greenway’s development, with the first mile stretching from Branch Brook Park to Broadway. This initial segment aims to provide residents with enhanced access to open spaces, recreational opportunities, and alternative transportation routes in one of the most densely populated areas of New Jersey.

The project is part of a larger initiative to connect eight communities—Jersey City, Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, and Montclair—through a seamless corridor for walking, biking, and transit.

“The Greenway is creating an amazing outdoor recreation and transportation corridor that showcases the potential for the creation of green space in urban areas across the Garden State,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “By breaking ground in Newark, we are not just creating new green space but also fostering stronger community connections and providing residents with greater access to recreation and sustainable transportation.”

Features and Community Benefits

The Newark section of the Greenway will include:

• A meandering, multi-purpose path connecting three new gathering spaces: the Branch Brook Park Overlook, the Tiffany Manor Hub, and the Newark Central Hub.
• Recreational amenities such as a playground with a water feature, sports courts, and an outdoor event space.
• Environmental improvements, including tree planting and green infrastructure to mitigate local flooding and improve air quality.
• A potential NJ TRANSIT-operated transitway, featuring a dedicated lane for buses or other mass transit options.

Governor Phil Murphy, who announced the Greenway acquisition in September 2022, secured $35 million in funding through the FY2025 budget agreement. Additional state and federal appropriations will support the multimillion-dollar project.

Public Engagement Shaping the Greenway

The open house at Park Elementary School offered attendees the chance to explore design concepts, provide feedback, and ask questions about the Newark section of the Greenway. Since 2023, public engagement efforts—including community showcases, block parties, and listening sessions—have played a key role in shaping the project.

Commissioner LaTourette highlighted the importance of community input, which has influenced features like the pop-up community garden near the Tiffany Manor Hub. Operated by Operation Grow Inc., the garden has hosted 28 events since July, focusing on urban agriculture, climate action, and community-building initiatives.

A Vision for Connectivity and Sustainability

When complete, the Greenway will offer a transformative experience for residents, connecting parks, schools, and businesses while providing a sustainable transit alternative to congested roadways. The DEP and its partners, including the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, NJ TRANSIT, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, will continue to use public input to guide the park’s development.

For more information, visit the Greenway’s webpage at dep.nj.gov/greenway.