Military Park (Newark) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Military Park Commons Historic District
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Wars of America statue by Mt.Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum
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 Location in Essex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Newark, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1916 |
| Architect | Ely, Wilson and John; Guilbert and Betelle |
| Architectural style | Renaissance, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000649 |
| Added to NRHP | June 18, 2004 |
Military Park is a 6-acre city park in Downtown Newark, New Jersey. It's one of three main parks in Newark that were planned when the city was first settled. This nearly triangular park is located between Park Place, Rector Street, and Broad Street.
Many important buildings are located around the park. These include the New Jersey Historical Society, the Military Park Building, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The park got a big makeover that finished in 2014. Now, it's a lively spot with a casual restaurant called Burg.
Park History
Military Park was first created by Robert Treat when Newark was founded. It was used as a training area for soldiers. The park saw military use during the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. It was also a camp for the American army during the War of 1812. After the American Revolution, it officially became a public park.
For a while in the mid-1900s, the park was not well cared for. It was considered unsafe and not used much by people. But in 2003, efforts began to fix it up. The park reopened in 2014, becoming a much more open and welcoming place in downtown Newark.
Cool Features in the Park
In the park, you'll find the large Wars of America monument. This amazing sculpture was made by Gutzon Borglum, who also sculpted Mount Rushmore. The monument is shaped like a giant sword built into the ground. It's about 80 yards long!
You can also see a bust of President John F. Kennedy in the park. It was put there in 1965. There's an old drinking fountain with the words "My cup runneth over" carved on it. You can also find statues of Frederick Frelinghuysen and Philip Kearny. A fun, old-fashioned carousel was recently added to the park too!
Beneath the park, there's an underground parking garage. The Newark Light Rail also has a station called Military Park right under one end of the park. In the middle of the park, you can grab a bite at the Burg restaurant. They serve burgers, shakes, and salads.
Events at Military Park
Military Park is a popular spot for many events.
- Afro Beat Fest is a new yearly festival held in the park. It celebrates African and African diaspora culture. You can enjoy music, art, fashion, dance, and food. The first Afro Beat Fest took place in July 2017. It's a new version of an older festival called "Africa Newark."
- Sometimes, you can catch live jazz concerts in Military Park.
- During the fall, a farmers market is held on Park Place every Thursday.
Images for kids
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Wars of America by Gutzon Borglum
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Hahne and Company and Griffith Building on Broad Street
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Statue of Philip Kearny by Henry Kirke Brown
See also
In Spanish: Parque Militar (Newark) para niños
