The Park:

Verona Park traces its roots back to 1814 when a dam for a gristmill was built on the Peckman River forming what is now the 13-acre Verona Park Lake. In the 1930's the Olmsted Brothers Landscape firm of Brookline, MA was commissioned to design a park on the 54-acre site.

Frederick Law Olmsted, a landscape designer, made an amazing impact on landscape architecture during a time when citizens had a strong sense of civic pride. His massive public park projects include: Central Park in NYC, The Emerald Necklace in Boston, and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY, to name just a few. He had a social goal, which was to open parks to all people, and he had a landscape goal, which was to have a long meadow, wooded hill and large lake. The park was to be the focal point for the community.

The Conservancy:

Our Mission:

The Verona Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to working with the Essex County Parks Department to maintain, beautify and improve Verona Park's appearance and facilities.

Founding:

In 1995, a group of concerned citizens met to explore ways they could help upgrade the look of Verona Park. As a result, a non-profit organization was established to work with the Essex County Parks Department to restore the park to its former state as originally designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm. The Conservancy and the Essex County Parks Department signed an agreement that allows the Conservancy to suggest, assist and, in some cases, implement its own projects for the betterment of the park.

Activities:

The Conservancy works closely with the Parks Department to greatly improve park facilities. In 2005 the tennis courts were resurfaced and a new family-friendly restroom was built. The VPC also assisted the county in designing and selecting equipment for the playground. The playground pavilion was renovated at our request and inaugurated with a mural-painting party for Verona School children. Other VPC projects resulted in the beautification of park entrances, an events bulletin board at the boathouse and new landscaping and benches installed on either side of the boathouse.

Individual members increased the number of freshly planted flowerbeds and new trees. If you would like to work with the VPC to cultivate or plant a small plot within the park, please contact Barbara O’Neal Braun at (973) 857-0626. Your activity will be acknowledged and most appreciated.

The Verona Park Conservancy hosted an old-style family picnic in the park as the highlight of the Township’s centennial celebration of July 4, 2007.

Children’s Garden:

The Children’s Garden, named “Eden Wild,” was established as an alternative environment for scientific exploration by children, outside the traditional classroom. Here, children can explore, discover and enjoy nature, learning about plant and animal life and what it takes to provide a nurturing environment.

Tree Fund:

The Conservancy’s tree and shrub fund underwrites replacement of old trees and purchases of new trees and shrubs for the park. If you are interested in donating a tree or shrub or other plantings please contact the Conservancy at (973) 239-2568 or (973) 857-0626.

Donations:

Donations to the VPC to mark any occasion will be acknowledged by hand-painted cards sent to the donor and the recipient. For more information, call (973) 239-2568 or (973) 857-0626.

Becoming a Member:

The Conservancy has a number of future projects for Verona Park. If you are interested in finding out more information regarding those projects, or wish to become a member of the Conservancy, please contact the Conservancy at 973-239-2568 or 973-857-0626. Download Membership Application in PDF format.

The Verona Park Conservancy is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible.

Annual Report 2007

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Important Dates:

Monthly meetings are held at the Verona Park Boathouse at 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. All are welcome.