Watsessing Park

From the Lenni Lenape word for “crooked” or “elbow,” Watsessing Park gets its unusual name. Watsessing Park sprawls across 69 acres in Bloomfield and East Orange, New Jersey. It’s a tranquil escape, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Garden State Parkway. Imagine yourself here, at the meeting point of the Second River and Toney’s Brook. The park was designed in 1899 by the Olmsted Brothers, sons of the famed designer of Central Park. Watsessing Park isn’t just a pretty place, it’s steeped in history. The Lenape name likely refers to the nearby Third River, which bends sharply near Bloomfield’s center. While the Third River doesn’t flow through the park itself, its influence is felt in the park’s name and history. Watsessing Park isn’t frozen in time. It has grown significantly since its initial ten-acre donation in 1901 by East Orange. Interestingly, the construction of the Garden State Parkway actually shrunk the park slightly. However, the funds received for the land were used to improve other Essex County parks. Today, Watsessing Park offers a variety of amenities. From athletic fields and basketball courts to a bandstand and a senior citizen center, there’s something for everyone. Picture yourself strolling along the riverbanks, the gentle sounds of the water blending with the laughter of children playing. Watsessing Park, a green oasis born from a Native American word, offers a rich blend of history, nature, and recreation.