Passaic River Parkway facts for kids
The Passaic River Parkway, also known as Passaic River Park, is a special kind of park that stretches along the banks of the Passaic River in Union County, New Jersey. Imagine a long, green ribbon following the river – that's a linear park!
This park is one of three important "emerald necklaces" in the Union County Park System. An "emerald necklace" is a fancy way to describe a series of connected parks and green spaces that form a beautiful, green chain, much like a necklace. The other two "necklaces" are the Rahway River Parkway and the Elizabeth River Parkway.
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What is the Passaic River Parkway?
The Passaic River Parkway covers about 298 acres of land. These acres are not all connected in one big piece, but they follow the river through different towns. You can find parts of the park in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Summit.
A Green Necklace
The idea for this park started a long time ago, around 1909. The main plan for the Parkway came about in the 1920s. This was when the whole county park system was being created. The design was inspired by the Olmsted Brothers, who were the sons of a famous landscape architect named Frederick Law Olmsted. He designed many famous parks, including Central Park in New York City! Much of the land for the Passaic River Parkway was bought in the 1960s.
Where is the Park Located?
The Passaic River Parkway is nestled in the valley of the Passaic River. This area is near the Second Watchung Mountain in northwestern Union County. The river itself forms the border with Somerset and Morris Counties.
Right across the river, you'll find other parks and natural areas. These are in places like Watchung, Warren Township, Long Hill Township, and Chatham. The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a very important natural area, is also just west of the river.
Bridges and Natural Neighbors
As you explore the park, you might notice many bridges that cross the Passaic River. Many of these bridges are quite old, built in the late 1800s or early 1900s. They add to the historical charm of the park.
