Branch Brook Park

Branch Brook Park is a historic county park located in Newark, New Jersey. Spanning 360 acres, it is the largest public park in Newark and the first county park opened for public use in the United States. The park stretches approximately four miles long and a quarter-mile wide, extending from the North Ward of Newark into the neighboring township of Belleville.

Designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm in 1900, Branch Brook Park features a mix of naturalistic landscapes and more formal recreational areas. The park is divided into four sections: the North Division, which is the most natural; the Middle Division, containing ball fields and paths; the South Division, which is the oldest segment; and the Park Extension area, which has the highest concentration of cherry trees.

Branch Brook Park is perhaps best known for its extensive collection of cherry blossom trees. With over 5,000 cherry trees of various species, it boasts the largest and most diverse collection in the United States, surpassing even Washington D.C. in number. Each spring, the park hosts a Cherry Blossom Festival that attracts over 100,000 visitors to witness the spectacular bloom.

The park's landscape includes a network of lakes, ponds, and connecting streams. The largest lake, covering 24 acres, is located in the Southern Division and is stocked with trout. Nineteen unique bridges traverse the park's waterways, adding to its picturesque charm.

Branch Brook Park is listed on both the New Jersey (1980) and National (1981) Registers of Historic Places. It continues to serve as a vital green space for Newark residents and visitors, offering a range of recreational activities and natural beauty throughout the year.