The park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the firm founded by the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York's Central Park.
It contains the first public golf course established in the state of New Jersey.
The 80-acre lake is the largest body of water located within Essex County.
The park was historically the site of the Weequahic Park Aerodrome, which hosted early aviation exhibitions in the 1930s.
The park’s name, 'Weequahic,' is derived from a Native American word meaning 'head of the cove' or 'small house'.
Weequahic Park is a 311-acre historic landscape designed by the Olmsted Brothers, located in the South Ward of Newark. The park centers on an 80-acre lake, the largest in Essex County. It features New Jersey's first public 18-hole golf course, which remains a primary recreational fixture. The grounds include a 2.2-mile paved track circling the lake, widely used for running and cycling. Additional facilities comprise multiple athletic fields for baseball, cricket, and soccer. The park serves as a community hub, hosting various outdoor events and cultural programs throughout the year. It provides significant green space within the dense urban fabric of Newark. The site is currently maintained by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
The lakeside path at sunrise, looking across the water toward the skyline.
Stick to the marked 2.2-mile lake loop if you want to track your distance while exercising.
Bring sun protection, as large sections of the lakeside path are fully exposed to direct sunlight.
Check the official Essex County Parks website for scheduled events, as the park often hosts large festivals that may limit parking.
Avoid visiting alone after dark; stay within well-lit, populated areas of the park during off-peak hours.
Golf course typically remains open weather permitting, but may experience seasonal maintenance closures; athletic fields occasionally require permits for organized team use.
Athletic footwear is recommended for the track; keep pets on a leash at all times.
