Westside Park Revitalization Begins

Watch our short video of the Westside Park Groundbreaking

Westside Park has long been a beloved but forgotten cornerstone of Paterson, and now, after years of planning, its long-overdue transformation is finally happening. In 2016, NJCDC secured an $85,000 grant through the Passaic County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to conduct a master plan study to restore and reimagine this vital public space. After extensive community input, the plan was released in 2017, outlining a future for the park that prioritized accessibility, safety, and recreation.

Some doubted whether the plan would ever become reality — but those people don’t know NJCDC! Recently, on February 10th, the groundbreaking was held for this $13 million revitalization project that will transform one of Paterson’s largest and most historic green spaces. In collaboration with the City of Paterson, New City Parks, and other key partners, this initiative will modernize the 26.6-acre park and provide a premier recreational hub for our community.

This revitalization effort is also a key component of NJCDC’s  Great Falls Neighborhood Plan, a comprehensive 10-year vision for improving public spaces, housing, and economic development in our neighborhood. As outlined in this resident-driven plan, Westside Park plays a critical role in creating accessible and vibrant community spaces for Paterson residents.

A Historic Park in Need of Renewal

Constructed in the 1890s by the Paterson Parks Commission, Westside Park was originally envisioned as “a thing of joy and beauty forever.” The park featured formal gardens, tree-lined walking paths, historical monuments, and boat launches providing access to the Passaic River; however, decades of neglect and deferred maintenance left its facilities in a state of disrepair. Recognizing the urgent need for revitalization, our community called for change.

Bringing a Vision to Life

In 2021, New City Parks was invited to lead the design phase of the project, launching an 18-month participatory process that engaged local residents, organizations, and schools. In addition to incorporating community feedback, New City Parks helped secure $14 million in public funding to bring the project to life, including $1 million that NJCDC is contributing to the project.

In 2021, New City Parks was invited to lead the design phase of the project, launching an 18-month participatory process that engaged local residents, organizations, and schools. In addition to incorporating community feedback, New City Parks helped secure $14 million in public funding to bring the project to life, including $1 million that NJCDC is contributing to the project.

 “This is a game-changer for Paterson,” Mayor Andre Sayegh said. “Westside Park has been a staple in our community for generations, and this investment will transform it into a premier destination for sports, recreation, and community gatherings.”

Exciting Park Enhancements

Westside Park’s revitalization will bring a host of improvements designed to make it a more welcoming and functional space for our community. The project will provide numerous recreational opportunities through upgraded baseball and softball fields, new tennis and cricket facilities, refurbished basketball courts, and a modernized playground. A new riverwalk and boat launch will enhance access to the Passaic River, encouraging even more outdoor activities and environmental engagement. Walking paths and green spaces will be improved, along with the planting of 265 new trees to expand the park’s canopy. Additionally, upgraded lighting and security measures will make the park safer and more accessible for residents of all ages.

Beyond these physical enhancements, our Great Falls Neighborhood Plan highlights Westside Park as a key part of a broader vision for the neighborhood. The plan prioritizes pedestrian connectivity, ensuring safer routes to and from the park, and encourages community programming such as cultural events and fitness activities to activate the space year-round. It also supports sustainability initiatives to preserve the park’s natural beauty and improve environmental resilience, reinforcing its role as a vital public asset for generations to come.

Community-Driven Progress

NJCDC has been committed to this effort for years, dating back to its 2016 initiative to study the park’s future. NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci highlighted the community’s role in shaping the project: “The best part of that study was that it was shaped by the community’s vision. While the plan was set aside for a while, thanks to Mayor Sayegh, Rose Harvey, New City Parks, the Taub Foundation, and many others, we’re now bringing that vision to life.”

Additional community partners in the design process include neighboring Hillcrest Neighborhood Association, JFK High School, River of God Paddling, and local cricket, football, and baseball leagues. Their input helped shape plans that balance historic preservation with modern recreation needs.

Pastor John Algera, a longtime advocate for river access, celebrated the inclusion of a boat launch in the project. “For 15 years, we’ve been paddling the river, witnessing its beauty and the return of wildlife. Yet, Paterson has not had one public launch into the river — until now.”

Community input has been instrumental in shaping the final design of the park’s improvements. Through public meetings and planning sessions, local residents and organizations provided valuable insights to ensure the upgrades meet the needs of those who use the park most.

Looking Ahead

Officials expect most of the construction work to be completed by the end of this year, with the fully renovated Westside Park scheduled to be finished by next spring. By then, the community will come together once again — not for a groundbreaking, but for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the park’s transformation.

NJCDC is proud to be part of this monumental effort to enhance public spaces and improve the quality of life for Paterson residents. Stay tuned for more updates as we help bring this vision to life!

Some photos from New City Parks