Over the next several months, more than 170,000 native trees, shrubs, grasses and other perennials will be planted within the nearly one-mile Newark segment of the project, the next step in transforming the former rail corridor into urban green space.

“Today we are marking the important step of planting the first of many thousands of native trees and shrubs that will help give our newest state park its character,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “As we prepare to open the park’s first mile in Newark next year, we want New Jerseyans to help further shape its identity by choosing a name that reflects its history and the future it represents – a world-class linear park that will provide much-needed tree-lined, peaceful green spaces while driving economic activity in one of the most densely populated regions of the nation.”

“Over the past several years the DEP has been working very closely with local and legislative leaders as well as the public and other stakeholders to develop a park in one of the most densely populated regions of the country that will serve the people of our state and beyond,” said Acting Commissioner Potosnak. “I am thrilled to join with Senator Ruiz and our local leaders to move New Jersey’s newest state park one step closer to reality – and I am equally excited that the public will have a big hand in giving the park a name that will stand the test of time.”

“As we dig into the soil today and begin planting more than 170,000 native trees, flowers, and shrubs, a beautiful new chapter for this long-neglected rail line is taking root. A once polluted site is now being transformed into a natural asset, marking a major leap forward for environmental justice, public health, and community infrastructure in Newark and beyond,” said Senate Majority Leader Ruiz, who represents Essex and Hudson counties.

“Community connection and engagement have been a cornerstone of the Greenway’s vision, helping this project grow into a generational opportunity for its neighborhoods and our entire state,” Senator Ruiz added. “Its naming will be no different, with the stewards of this serene space lending a voice to its future identity. As we witness New Jersey’s newest urban oasis bloom over the coming months, let its unfolding beauty excite and inspire our communities to think creatively and leave their mark on this vibrant public park that they helped create.”

The Newark segment marks the largest single investment in state history for the acquisition and development of a new state park, with this phase of construction totaling $69.2 million. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is overseeing construction of the project and evaluating economic opportunities associated with the creation of the new state park.

“It’s great to be in Newark where the first phase of this project is launching and to celebrate another milestone in the advancement of the newest state park,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss. “The NJEDA is proud to work alongside Governor Sherrill, NJDEP, and local stakeholders to ensure this project has input from community members. Through this public naming process, residents have the opportunity to help establish the identity of the park, which will help revitalize communities and drive investment into Hudson and Essex counties.”

Park Name Options 

Four names for the park have been proposed for the public’s consideration:

• Prosperity State Park – New Jersey’s official state motto is “Liberty and Prosperity.” The state’s first urban state park, Liberty State Park, is in Jersey City, and the long-term vision for the new park includes a future connection to Jersey City and, ultimately, Liberty State Park. Under that vision, Liberty and Prosperity state parks would be linked, symbolically connecting the two pillars of the state motto.

• Ridge & River State Park – “Ridge & River” describes the physical geography, connecting upland ridges to lowland waterways, across Essex and Hudson counties.
• Ironline State Park – “Ironline” references the former iron rails that transported people, animals, materials and finished products from Upstate New York to the banks of the Hudson River. Those iron rails are now replaced by a corridor connecting habitats and associated wildlife, as well as people and their communities. The design elements included in the first constructed segment of the new park reinforce this name.

• Steel Trail State Park – “Steel Trail” evokes the rail corridor’s industrial past and its new life as a public trail. “Steel” references the strength and permanence of the infrastructure once used for commerce and transit, while “Trail” suggests a welcoming and accessible space for recreation, community, and movement. The various metal design elements reinforce this name.

Votes may be cast on the DEP’s website until 4 p.m. Monday, June 29.

Newark Segment Progress 

The inaugural nearly one-mile Newark segment of New Jersey’s newest state park is expected to open to visitors in 2027. Stretching from Branch Brook Park to Broadway, the park’s first segment will feature three community gathering spaces connected by a meandering, ADA-accessible trail lined with native plantings, along with a multisport court, ADA-accessible adventure playground, performance stage, picnic area and other amenities.

Today marked a significant step in the process with the commencement of planting of more than 170,000 native trees, shrubs, grasses and other perennials. The planting work will occur over the next several months.

A sampling of the plantings includes 206 deciduous canopy trees, such as red maple, black tupelo, American sycamore and white oak; 335 understory and evergreen trees at maturity, including eastern redbud, flowering dogwood and eastern red cedar; 1,356 large shrubs, including gray dogwood, witch hazel, northern bayberry, highbush blueberry and pussy willow; and 2,889 small shrubs, including black chokeberry, inkberry, Carolina rose and black raspberry.

The planting plan also includes 165,609 groundcover perennials spanning 132,980 square feet, featuring milkweed, black-eyed susan, wreath goldenrod, New England aster and wild geranium, among others. In addition, 84,139 square feet will be planted in native upland wildlife forage and meadow habitat, along with 46,693 square feet of lawn grass mix.

View a video highlighting the planting work.

“The planting of these native species represents a major turning point, not only for this project, but for the broader ecosystem as a whole in this area of Newark,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “What was once an area dominated by invasive, non-native vegetation is being transformed into a resilient landscape that restores habitat, supports biodiversity, and reclaims urban green space in one of the most densely populated parts of New Jersey.”

“The native plantings for the Newark segment of the project are intentionally chosen to increase biodiversity by attracting birds, butterflies and other pollinators,” said Maggie McCann, Administrator for Urban State Parks & Initiatives. “This intended diversity of flora and fauna is a mirror to the wide array of opportunities for people: recreation, play and entertainment, as well as active transportation amenities that will turn this linear state park into a community hub for all.”

Since breaking ground in July 2025, crews have been grading the site, installing a stormwater management system designed to allow stormwater to soak back into the ground naturally and limiting strain on Newark’s existing infrastructure, pouring concrete for park features and installing a protective barrier separating historic railroad-era soils of unknown origin from new certified clean soil used to cap the site.

About New Jersey’s Newest State Park 

Development of New Jersey’s newest state park will take place in phases over time and will require sustained investments to implement the full vision of a nine-mile linear park. The park will provide outdoor recreation and alternative transportation opportunities to more than 1.5 million residents in the surrounding area, representing 16% of New Jersey’s population.

Beyond expanding access to urban green space, the project is designed to improve stormwater management and air quality in two of the state’s most densely populated counties.

The DEP acquired the property from Norfolk Southern Corporation in 2022, following years of advocacy to transform the former rail corridor into a recreational and transportation greenway. The rail line last carried passenger service in 2002, when NJ TRANSIT discontinued operations after opening an alternate route with direct service to New York and determining that substantial repairs were needed for two bridges along the line. Freight service east of Newark ended in the 1990s, and no freight trains have operated between Newark and Montclair since 2009.

Learn more about the project at dep.nj.gov/greenway

###