The Shakespeare Garden within the park is one of only a few remaining formal gardens in the U.S. designed specifically to feature plants mentioned in William Shakespeare's plays.
The landscape architecture was planned by the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm, the successors to Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of New York City's Central Park.
The park contains a notable collection of mature specimen trees, some dating back to the park's early 20th-century development period.
The park's design emphasizes the natural topography of the Cedar Brook floodplain to manage drainage while providing scenic views.
Cedar Brook Park is a 108-acre recreational area in Plainfield, New Jersey, managed by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. The park is historically significant for its 35-acre Shakespeare Garden, which was designed in 1928 by the Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm. The site features multiple athletic fields, including baseball and softball diamonds, alongside extensive walking paths that wind through mature woodland areas. It serves as a central green lung for the city, accommodating community sports leagues and casual picnicking. The grounds are integrated with Cedar Brook, which bisects the park landscape. Maintenance and facility upgrades are overseen by the county government as part of the regional park system.
The central stone archway and garden beds within the Shakespeare Garden.
Visit the Shakespeare Garden area near the W. 7th Street entrance for the most manicured and quiet section of the grounds.
Check local municipal sports schedules online if you plan to visit for a quiet picnic, as tournament days can increase crowd levels near the fields.
Wear insect repellent during the summer months, as the proximity to the brook can lead to higher mosquito activity.
Avoid the athletic fields during weekend league play unless you are participating in the games, as they become crowded and noisy.
Carry-in, carry-out trash policy; keep pets leashed at all times.
