Anderson Park (New Jersey) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anderson Park
Sign on Bellevue Avenue
Type	Public Park
Location	Montclair, New Jersey
Area	14.85 acres (60,100 m2)
Created	1905
Operated by	Essex County
Open	All year
Public transit access	Upper Montclair (NJT station)

Anderson Park is a public park located in Montclair, New Jersey, in the United States. It is a part of the Essex County park system. This means it's managed by the county government.

Park's Story: How it Began

In the late 1800s, a man named C.W. Anderson had a great idea. He was a well-known resident of Montclair. He imagined a park stretching from Bellevue Avenue to Watchung Avenue. He also wanted it to go from the railroad tracks to North Mountain Road.

At that time, this land was mostly a swampy area. Many people thought it was unhealthy. But Mr. Anderson saw its potential.

Designing Anderson Park

Montclair decided to create a park commission. They chose a famous design company called the Frederick Law Olmsted firm. This firm is known for designing many important places. They helped create parts of the National Mall in Washington D.C.. They also designed the famous Central Park in New York City.

The park was finished on August 4, 1903. The final design made the park a bit smaller than first planned. It now extends to where Parkside Road is located.

First Park in the County

Anderson Park holds a special place in history. It was the very first park in the Essex County Park Commission system. This system was New Jersey's first county-wide network of parks.

Changes Over Time

In the 1960s, some large groups of bushes were removed from the park. This was done to help make the park safer.

In 2006, the park got some updates. Fifty new garbage cans were put in. The soccer fields were also redone. However, people felt there were too many trash cans. So, many of them were later removed.

In 2007, some inappropriate drawings were found in the park. They were quickly cleaned up by park staff.

Why it's Called Anderson Park

Plaque honoring C.W. Anderson

The park was first going to be named 'Montclair Park'. But the town decided to change its name to Anderson Park. This was to honor C.W. Anderson. He was the person who first thought of the park idea. He also helped pay for some of its creation.

What Makes Anderson Park Special?

The park has a winding path that goes around its main grassy area. This path is exactly 3/5 of a mile long. Along the path, you'll find many new benches. These are perfect spots to stop and rest.

It's also safe to walk around at night. New lights were installed around the path in early 2008.

Activities and Events

The park has a big open grass space. This area takes up most of the park. It's often used for games like lacrosse and field hockey. Anderson Park also hosts an Arts and Crafts fair every year. It's a fun event for the community.

Where is Anderson Park?

Anderson Park is located in the northern part of Montclair. It's very close to the First Watchung Mountain. The park sits in a small dip in the land. This dip was created by Toney's Brook, a small stream that flows through the park.

Nearby Places

Anderson Park is super close to many interesting spots. You can walk to the center of Upper Montclair in about two minutes. This area has shops and restaurants on Bellevue Avenue and Valley Road. The Upper Montclair Railway Station is also just a short walk away.

Did you know the park is right across the street from the childhood home of Buzz Aldrin? He was one of the first people to walk on the Moon!

Park Borders

The park has clear borders:

• To the north: Bellevue Avenue
• To the west: North Mountain Avenue
• To the south: Parkside Avenue
• To the east: Toney's Brook and the railroad tracks of New Jersey Transit's Montclair-Boonton Line.

Gallery

• Anderson Park Gallery
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  The Upper Montclair Railway Station from Anderson Park

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  Anderson Park from Bellevue Avenue Entrance

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  Path running through the park

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  Anderson Park, Signage (as seen from Bellevue Avenue)

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  The lawn, Anderson Park, (2006)