Click here to read Saving a Park The Weequahic Park  Story, "The Beginning"

History tells us that almost all revolutions began with the common folk.  The same kind of restless spirit is exemplified by the group of neighborhood men and women, known as the Weequahic Park Association (WPA) who committed themselves to the goal of upgrading the park.  Their vision was somehow more keenly drawn than those with power and influence who failed to notice or acknowledge or propose change to the rapid deterioration of the park.  It is commendable that they now se the landscape's enormous potential and are supportive of the WPA's objectives. "   Joseph White Weequahic Park Association, Inc. Public Information Officer

     The Weequahic Park Association (WPA) was formed in 1992 to address the abysmal decline of Weequahic Park, located in Newark, New Jersey, once a spectacular park that is among the oldest county parks in America.  The Frederick Law Olmsted firm designed the park in 1901.  The WPA is comprised of community residents who organized to stop the proposed demolition of the historic grandstand located in the park. (Ulysses S. Grant once rode horses here).  The act of circulating a petition (Over 300 signatures) became the impetus for the founding of the organization.  The WPA has since met weekly for the last ten years with the exception of only several meetings due to severe weather. 

     The WPA also is the first park conservancy group in Essex County to enter into a Partnership Agreement with the Essex County Administration for the expressed purpose of rehabilitating the park.  The agreement allows the WPA to implement capital improvements in Weequahic Park and is patterned after the successful Central Park Conservancy agreement with the City of New York.

     The overall mission of the WPA is the restoration, redevelopment and conservation of Weequahic Park, a landscape of great historical significance.  The WPA believes strongly that their efforts, at restoring this “jewel” will strengthen the resolve of the entire community to;

• Become more involved in the park,

• Believe in and support the restoration effort,

• Participate in and support social events and fundraising, Create funding mechanisms for vital park services, 

• Generate jobs for the community through park services, and 

• Provide wholesome educational, recreational and cultural events   that promote care-giving opportunities to the children of the community. 

     The completion of the Weequahic Lake Restoration Project in 2002 saw a new comprehensive approach to environmental development.  The completion of this $3 million dollar project, to within .03% of budget, utilized the energy of community members and students to be come involved in the research and study of the biological components of the lake.  Students can learn the role of environmental stewardship opportunities at one of America’s great parks.  This approach to understanding the natural resources of the park has lead to the introduction of new career paths and educational opportunities.  The WPA will continue to serve as a catalyst in the development and nurturing of the next generation of urban environmental voices.

• The current administration of a $3 million grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency to restore Weequahic Lake and immediate environs.
  

• Park management
  

• Park Maintenance (e.g. leaf raking, litter clean up)
  

• Park maintenance oversight (condition of trash receptacles, lawns, equipment structures
  

• Community organization
  

• Park and community liaison with city, county officials and federal officials
  

• Communications via bi-monthly News letter
  

• Organizing, promoting and executing special events for adults and youth
  

• Financing park improvement through grants, negotiated federal, state, county, city and private source funding
  

• Park planning, including a documented 5-year Master Plan for the park