NRHP Reference # 78001758 Added to NRHP January 9, 1978 | NJRHP # 1275 Designated NJRHP February 10, 1977 | |
 | ||
Washington Park is a city square in Downtown Newark, New Jersey. It is the northernmost of the three downtown parks, along with Lincoln Park and Military Park, that were laid out in the colonial era. The triangular park is bounded by Broad Street, Washington Street, and Washington Place at the end of Halsey Street. It is home to several public statues and is surrounded by historical, civic, and commercial buildings, including those of Rutgers-Newark.
Contents
District
Originally known as the North Common or the Upper Green, the park is a contributing property to the James Street Commons Historic District and is surrounded by notable landmarks. It forms the northern end of the city's central business district.
The North Reformed Church was built 1857-59 without the use of or iron or steel. The Ballantine House, a National Historic Landmark, built by the brewer of Ballantine beer, John Ballantine, in 1885, It is part of the Newark Museum. The main Newark Public Library was built in 1903. Residential brownstones are found along James Street.
Among the office buildings located in the district are the American Insurance Company Building, One Washington Park, IDT Corporation, 550 Broad Street and 33 Washington Street, and the Cablevision Call Center.
Statues
Several statues and tablets are found in the park.
Wednesdays at Washington Park
Since 2009 a weekly green market and outdoor concert is held at the park from June to October.
Transportation
The Newark Light Rail Washington Park station runs along the Broad Street side of the park while Riverfront Stadium is across it. The Newark Broad Street Station, served by New Jersey Transit (NJT), is two blocks north. Numerous buses serve Newark and environs, including Newark Liberty International Airport.