A former industrial site in East Newark, New Jersey is a hub of activity these days, as construction crews busily undertake the work of transforming a former industrial site into a five-acre natural resources public park along the Passaic River. The planned park is in a historically underserved area that was impacted by hazardous substance releases from various industrial facilities in the area. The park will improve residents’ quality of life, while benefiting wildlife by converting hardened industrial land into wooded areas, grasslands, wetlands, and pollinator gardens connected by pathways and an elevated walkway along the Passaic River. The park creates a clean and ADA-accessible gathering space for the community, while also boosting  the local economy  and supporting residents’ efforts to enhance spaces in the neighborhood.

The park will be on BASF’s riverfront property in East Newark, New Jersey. Under an Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, BASF will fund the design and construction, and arrange for long-term stewardship and maintenance for a period of 30 years. BASF intends to give the park to the City of East Newark once completed.

The lower 17-mile stretch of the Passaic River and greater Newark Bay area in New Jersey has a history of industrial contamination. More than 70 facilities have released contaminants, including dioxins/furans, PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, and heavy metals into the river and environment. There are multiple potentially Responsible Parties involved with this site, including BASF.

NOAA Staff have been fully engaged in the site design, regular visits to inspect and approve early completion milestones, and will be on-site regularly throughout construction until the park is opened (planned for Spring 2025).

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