Empowering Our Youth, Empowering Our Families
Mayor Booker's priority has been improving the quality of life for - and empowering - families and children.
Renovated and Rehabilitated 40 Acres of Parks
Through Mayor Booker's tireless efforts in philanthropic fundraising, and through incredible community participation and leadership, strong partnerships with churches, nonprofits, community groups and others, Newark has completed the largest expansion of parks and recreation spaces in over a century, transforming neighborhoods and generating jobs for Newark residents. New and renovated parks, covering 40 acres, include improved City pools, professional-quality football and soccer fields, new baseball diamonds, restored basketball courts, state-of-the-art playground equipment, and more. These parks provide Newarkers of all ages safe and expanded opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and sports competition.
Completed Parks:
- Boys Park
- David L. Warner Playground
- Elwood Park
- First Street Park
- Harriet Tubman Playground
- Ironbound Little League Field
- Ironbound Recreation Center ('B' Field)
- Jesse Allen Park
- Kasberger Field
- Mildred Helms Park
- Nat Turner Park
- Newark Preschool Park
- Quitman Street Community Playground
- St. Peter's Park
- Thomas Silk Park
- West End Avenue Park
- West Bigelow KaBOOM! Playground
Parks Slated for Completion in 2012/2013:
- Riverfront Park
- Hayes Park East
- Military Park
Renovated and Rehabilitated Recreation Centers throughout the City
Since 2006, each of the City's recreation centers has undergone comprehensive rehabilitation. After millions of dollars of capital investment, every City recreation facility and pool has been upgraded and is open for expanded programs and community use. In addition, City programming at recreation centers has been expanded. Residents can now access a full catalogue of recreation and cultural programs.
Raised in Excess of a Quarter of a Billion Dollars of Philanthropy for the City of Newark
The Booker Administration has raised well beyond $250 million in philanthropy for the City of Newark, and Mayor Booker's commitment to bringing more resources into the City has funded high-impact solutions throughout Newark. The City has leveraged these philanthropic dollars to magnify the impact of numerous community initiatives, such as improving education, our focus on children and families, public safety, public health, and economic development.
Significantly Increased Federal Grants and Partnerships
In addition, Mayor Booker has secured tens of millions of dollars in new federal grants for the City through his partnerships with the Obama Administration and Newark's Congressional delegation. These grants have empowered our City to redevelop abandoned properties, increase affordable housing, clean up contaminated land, improve the energy efficiency of our municipal buildings and weatherize the homes of seniors while employing local youth, reducing waste and boosting recycling through innovative neighborhood-based pilot projects.
