Reconnecting residents to their river is the motto for today’s tour. Welcome to the Elizabeth River Parkway. This greenway runs along the Elizabeth River.
Did you know that the idea for this parkway came about in 1912? The Olmsted Architectural Firm proposed it. Continuous flooding made building a trail impossible back then. The US Army Corps of Engineers channelized the river in the 1970s. This mitigated flooding. But it also created a barrier between people and the river.
The City of Elizabeth finally celebrated the opening of the Elizabeth River Trail a century after the proposal. This was thanks to the city’s leadership and residents. The nonprofit Groundworks Elizabeth also helped.
The first phase stretched from Elizabeth High School on Pearl Street to S Broad Street. This was near the public library. This phase also features public art installations. A gate stands at S Broad Street.
In later years, the trail was extended. It now stretches from Elizabeth High School. It parallels Pearl Street. The trail ducks under US 1/9. It goes through the Elizabeth River Parkway. It continues along Mattano Park. The trail ends at the Erxleben Recreation Center.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. Take the protected bikeway on Clifton Street and Trenton Avenue. Then connect to the bike path along the Goethals Bridge. This will lead you to Staten Island.
There is also a shorter segment south of the longer section. This 400-foot section curves from Bayway Avenue and Trenton Avenue. It ends at Atlantic Street and Clifton Street. Find a trailhead with seating at Bayway Avenue and Trenton Avenue. There is also a trail map. A large Welcome To Elizabeth sign marks the spot.
The Elizabeth River Parkway is one of three emerald necklaces in the county park system. The others are Rahway River Parkway and Passaic River Parkway. The Olmsted Brothers firm designed the parkway in the 1920s for the Union County Parks Commission. They also designed Warinanco Park.
The Elizabeth River Parkway lets you experience nature. You can do this right in the heart of an urban area. You can park at the Public Library on 11 South Broad Street. You can also park at the Elizabeth High School parking area on Pearl Street.
The Elizabeth River Parkway is more than just a trail. It’s a symbol of community. It represents resilience. It highlights the enduring power of green spaces in our lives.
As we conclude our tour, remember the vision of the Olmsted firm. Think about the dedication of the residents. This parkway is a testament to what we can achieve. We can reconnect with nature and each other.