The park was formerly known as Orange Park before being renamed in 2010 to honor Monte Irvin.
Monte Irvin was a pioneer in Major League Baseball, joining the New York Giants in 1949 as one of the first African American players in the National League.
The park serves as a home site for local youth baseball leagues and municipal tournament play.
It is part of the historic Essex County Park System, which was designed in the late 19th century by the Olmsted Brothers firm.
The site includes a memorial dedicated to the legacy of Monte Irvin and his contributions to professional baseball and the local community.
Monte Irvin Orange Park is a 47-acre public recreation space managed by the Essex County Parks system in New Jersey. The park is named in honor of Monte Irvin, a Baseball Hall of Famer who played for the Newark Eagles in the Negro Leagues. The landscape features expansive pastoral lawns, mature shade trees, and walking paths designed for passive recreation. Athletic facilities include baseball fields and basketball courts that support community sports programs. The grounds are situated between South Center Street and South Harrison Street, serving as a primary green lung for the City of Orange. It functions as a multipurpose community hub for local events, seasonal gatherings, and daily exercise.
The memorial plaque and baseball diamond area provide the most distinctive background for photos.
Bring a portable chair if you plan on attending a youth sports game, as bleacher space can be limited.
Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid the high demand for basketball courts and sports fields occurring in the evenings and weekends.
The park features uneven terrain in certain areas, so wear supportive footwear if you intend to walk the full perimeter.
Do not leave valuables visible in parked cars, and avoid visiting during heavy rain as the lower fields are prone to temporary drainage issues.
Leash laws apply to all pets; maintain noise levels appropriate for a neighborhood residential area.
