EAST NEWARK, NJ — May 29, 2026 – The New Jersey chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (NJASLA) hosted its annual Advocacy Day at the East Newark Riverfront on Friday, May 29, 2026. The event brought together industry professionals from across the state to showcase the landscape architecture profession, highlight the benefits of licensure, and foster meaningful connections among peers and enthusiasts.

Throughout the day, NJASLA emphasized the important role parks play in our communities and how they provide professionals with opportunities to bring their creative visions to life. To support this mission, NJASLA partnered with AECOM LAUD NYC to provide attendees with a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the newly opened East Newark Riverfront Park.

The day began with opening remarks from NJASLA President Jonathan Misrahi, followed by brief remarks from Gonzalo Cruz, Vice President & Principal of Design at AECOM LAUD NYC, and Tristen Porto, Senior Associate at AECOM LAUD NYC. Together, they underscored the significance of Advocacy Day and expressed NJASLA’s deep appreciation for the many landscape architects whose collective efforts contributed to the transformation of East Newark.

Cruz and Porto also spoke to the impact and meaning behind the project, highlighting the remarkable evolution of the Riverfront Park—from a former industrial wharf into a vibrant, accessible green space along the banks of the Passaic River.

Following the remarks, the interactive guided tour began. Attendees explored the thoughtfully designed park while learning about the site’s history, including its significance as East Newark’s first and only waterfront park and its role in expanding the borough’s parkland from just 1% to 8% of its total land area.
The tour provided an engaging opportunity for attendees to ask questions and deepen their understanding of the design process, including how landscape architects approach projects and incorporate resilience into both infrastructure and community planning.

To conclude the day, NJASLA hosted a reception at the park’s multi-use plaza, giving attendees the opportunity to network and connect with fellow designers. The event also provided professionals with the opportunity to engage with local elected officials, including Council Member Jeanne Zincavage, Council Member Acacio DeOliveira, and Borough Administrator Fred Confessore, as well as Park Director Maguire Branigan and a representative from Congressman Rob Menendez’s office to discuss the impact of parks on our communities and the built environment.

This event further underscored the need for parks, as they play a critical role in urban revitalization, climate resilience and the remediation of once contaminated sites such as East Newark Riverfront Park. Through continued collaboration with members and AECOM, NJASLA remains committed to supporting and elevating these efforts, ensuring the profession stays resilient and well-positioned for future growth.

The NJASLA is the NJ Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a national organization of Landscape Architects, formed in 1899. There are currently over 17,600 members of the ASLA. Join NJASLA today to stay connected, informed and supported in the New Jersey landscape architecture field.