Mayor Ras J. Baraka cut the ribbon to open Chamblee Square Park and announced on Monday that the City of Newark has received the Excellence in Design – Multi-Use Facility – Playground Award by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association for this facility. The award was given for the city’s innovative transformation of Chamblee Square Park’s playground, creating dynamic playground facilities with green infrastructure at 556-560 Hunterdon Street.
“When Newark residents and City Hall professionals collaborate, we end up with beautiful innovations like the one we celebrate today. Chamblee Square Park isn’t just a much-needed playground; it is a masterpiece in design that highlights the inclusion and sense of belonging that Newarkers are known for,” said Mayor Baraka. “NJRPA’s Excellence in Design award belongs as much to the people who will enjoy this park as to the city workers because it could not have been created without the vital input of the neighbors here. I am grateful to them and I’m thankful to our design and construction partners who put in their time and effort. I’m sure many wonderful childhood and family memories will be made here in the years to come.”
Previously, the area lacked a playground within a 10-minute walk, leaving residents without a dedicated space for recreation and social interaction. In response, the city designed a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible park, featuring dynamic play structures, fitness areas, and water features. The new design achieves enhanced recreational opportunities, fosters social connections and promotes health and wellness.
A key element of the project was community involvement. Feedback from local residents emphasized the need for a gathering space that would encourage outdoor activity and engagement. The redesigned Chamblee Square Park offers bright colors, inviting play elements, and an atmosphere that has quickly become a beloved neighborhood asset.
Chamblee Square Park is named for Reverend Ernest Lee Chamblee, who served the Hunterdon Street neighborhood with his family to care for its people and places. Until his passing in 2019, he provided residents with jobs, food, and other material assistance, and even, on one occasion, the working battery from his own watch. He also kept the community beautified. He was remembered with reverence during the ceremony. His wife Deloase Chamblee and other family members were present and honored as they participated in the ribbon cutting.
“From its name, to the recognition its design has received, Chamblee Square Park is a testament to Newark’s spirit of unity and community,” said Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs & Senior Services Director Donnell Redding. “I am proud of the level of involvement of our neighbors here and thankful for all the partners who made this dream a reality. Here on Hunterdon Street, the legacy of Reverend E.L. Chamblee, and his family, lives on.”
Beyond its recreational benefits, the project integrates green infrastructure and subsurface site drainage to effectively manage storm water runoff, reinforcing the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Since reopening, Chamblee Square Park has seen a surge in visitors, underscoring the community’s demand for accessible, high-quality, public spaces. This award recognizes Newark’s dedication to designing innovative and inclusive environments that enhance residents’ quality of life.
The purpose of the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association’s Awards Program is to honor and identify dedicated leaders, employees, and volunteers in the field of Parks and Recreation, and to recognize the State’s outstanding Recreation and Park agencies for excellence in programming, publicity, and facility design. The goal of the Awards Program is to focus State attention on the achievement of Park and Recreation agencies, to recognize the continuing efforts of staff and volunteers, and to acknowledge support extended by member agencies.
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About the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association:
The New Jersey Recreation and Park Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting parks and recreation; enhancing the professional development of its members; advocating sound policy and stewardship related to parks, recreation, resource management, and leisure services; and increasing awareness of the value of play and preservation of the environment to interested citizens and the public.