Mary Ellen Kramer Park

Mary Ellen Kramer Park is located in Paterson, New Jersey, adjacent to the Great Falls on Maple Street, just below Hinchliffe Stadium. The park offers visitors the opportunity to get close to the face of the Great Falls, providing stunning views of this natural wonder.

Named in commemoration of Paterson's first lady Mary Ellen Kramer, the park honors her instrumental role in the designation and development of the Great Falls National Historic Landmark District. She was also key in reopening the park to the public in the 1970s.

The land has a rich history, having been used as a public park and for leisure visits to the waterfall since the 1770s. However, it was closed during World War II for strategic reasons and remained closed until the 1970s. Volunteers, non-profit organizations, and public funding through the City of Paterson brought the park to its current layout.

In 2015, the City of Paterson completed a rehabilitation project that restored the park and its amenities. This restoration was accomplished with the assistance of partners and funders, including the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres program, Passaic County's Open Space & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, and the Passaic River Coalition.

The park provides a unique vantage point for visitors to experience the power and beauty of the Passaic River as it pours through the Great Falls. It serves as an important component of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, offering both natural beauty and historical significance.