Jack Ford

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Jun 15, 2026, 6:33 PM

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Updated

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Construction continues on what will become New Jersey’s newest state park, and state officials are now asking the public to help choose its name.

The park, currently referred to commonly as “The Greenway,” will eventually transform a former rail corridor into a nine-mile linear park stretching through eight municipalities in Essex and Hudson counties, connecting communities from Montclair to Jersey City.

State officials gathered Thursday at the under-construction Newark segment of the project for a ceremonial tree planting, marking the next phase of development. Over the coming months, more than 170,000 native trees, shrubs, grasses and other plants will be added to the nearly one-mile Newark section.

The Newark segment is expected to open in 2027 and will feature an ADA-accessible trail, community gathering spaces, a multisport court, a playground, a performance stage and picnic areas.

Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak announced that residents can now vote on one of four proposed names for the park.

• Prosperity State Park

• Ridge & River State Park

• Ironline State Park-

• Steel Trail State Park

“We really want to hear from you,” Potosnak said. “What do you want this park to be called? Because it’s your park. It’s a park for the people and the communities connected to here in this very special way.”

The Newark segment represents a $69.2 million investment and is the largest single investment in state history for the acquisition and development of a new state park.

When completed, the full nine-mile park is expected to serve more than 1.5 million residents while providing recreational opportunities, alternative transportation routes, improved stormwater management and expanded urban green space.

Voting is open through 4 p.m. June 29. You can vote on the DEP’s website here:

https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/urban-state-parks-initiatives/greenway/vote/