Lincoln Park

About

Lincoln Park is considered the oldest and largest of the Hudson County’s Parks. The park consists of two distinct sections: Lincoln Park East, 150.4 acres, and Lincoln Park West, 123 acres. The sections are named for their positions relative to U.S. Route 1/9 Truck, which passes between them and are connected by foot and vehicular bridges over the highway. The Lincoln Park Nature Walk is part of wetlands restoration project adjacent to the Hackensack River. The Hackensack RiverWalk is a partially completed greenway along the banks of the river running the length of the Hudson County shoreline. The East Coast Greenway also traverses the park. The Park’s East and West portions attract Hudson County residents of all ages and interests looking to enjoy open space in the midst of the urban landscape. Lincoln Park East’s 150 acres are home to numerous athletic facilities, children’s areas, historic monu­ments, meandering trails, and publically-available Wi-Fi-internet access. Major projects underway at Lincoln Park West, com­prised of 123 acres along the Hackensack River, will add new and exciting natural features and recreational amenities.

History
In 1905, “West Side Park”, as it was originally called, was designed by landscape architect Charles Lowrie and Daniel W. Langston and features multiple historical points of interest. “Lincoln the Mystic”, a seated statue of the US President, was sculpted by James Earle Fraser. It was dedicated on June 14, 1930, when the park was given its current name of Lincoln Park. The fountain at the entrance of Lincoln Park was designed by the sculptor Pierre J. Cheronin and completed in 1911. It is 53-feet high and decorated with water spouting frogs and allegorical figures. The park honors history through several monuments, such the Irish Famine Memorial, Civil War Soldier statue, James T. Farrier Firefighter Memorial, and by the display of two historic cannons and sun houses.

Nature
To complement the Eastern Park’s ponds and landscaped greenery, Lincoln Park West is an exceptional collection of open space with preserved natural habitats and areas to engage visitors. The centerpiece of this area is the fishing-accessible Edgewood Lake. Its location on the Hackensack River is part of the Historic Liberty/Water Gap trail, and the park has nature trails winding throughout it. The County is currently in the process of a wetland restoration project that will enhance the observation of the natural habitat and local species with a waterfront walkway. The rare bird species observable in the park include Black Skimmers, Osprey, and Egrets.