This park is huge with plenty to do but I only came for the rose garden. It is small, some labels…read moreare missing, and several beds need maintenance. It feels more like a city park than a quiet garden. I personally would not return, though I see why neighbors enjoy having green space nearby. When I visited, a large group had formed a circle that occupied an entire section of the small rose garden. There were no signs indicating the area was reserved, and their gathering unintentionally made the space feel closed off to other visitors. In shared public spaces like this, especially in smaller gardens, it is important for any group, whether local or new to the community, to be mindful of the park's norms and not treat the small public garden like it's only for them. Many people visiting or living here may not be aware of how these spaces are typically used, so a little consideration goes a long way in keeping the park welcoming for everyone.

I grew up with Brookdale Park. I would bike over with Daddy - or in the beginning, trike over - and…read morewe would ride the paths together. Down the little dirt trail by the stream near Watchung Ave., see if I could make it down the ditch under the bridge, then back up near the duck pond to look at the birds. Over to the playground, down the tall metal slide (burning in the hot sun), on and under the wooden playground (splinters and the occasional scary bee), and riding the swings, both pony-themed and regular. Slow forward to 2025. Brookdale still has the same paved paths. The old dirt trail gradually became a bunch of bumps for dirt bikes instead of my regular bike. The duck pond was filled in years ago but is now a wetlands area. The playground has been modernized a couple of times and is now modern, safe plastic. Still pony-themed swings. The old gravel track is now modern plastic for running or similar sports - though there was something special about sliding my bike around the turns on that gravel track. You just can't ride on a running track. There's an annual softball tournament there we still play, and the fields really haven't changed, though I've heard it's been getting tougher to get things reserved properly. So it's still a wonderful park, but without the ducks and with the complications to holding in park events, the fifth star has gone away with my childhood. That's OK. It will always be 5 stars in my heart.

I gotta tell you... I love this little park…read more First visit - okay, I dug it. Second visit - more time to explore and continually found new and interesting reasons to enjoy Essex County's seventh-largest park (I totally stole that tidbit from Wikipedia). Third visit - okay, okay - I'm officially smitten! A (small-ish) pond complete with locals fishing? Tennis and pickleball courts? Horseshoe pits? Bocce court? Paved trails (both in the main/open portion of the park as well as tucked-away under dense forest)? Baseball field (as a bonus - a group of kids always practicing cricket off to the side)? A tiny little spot consisting of parallel bars and (uneven) pull-up bars - for aspiring gymnasts or American Ninja contestants? An aqueduct (complete with a handful of little bridges to cross over) running throughout the entire park? A damn fine playground (with interesting and in-good-shape equipment) for kids (from 2 to 12 years old)? Plenty of tables (old-school picnic style as well as more modern/sleek)? Those clunky-but-sturdy BBQ grills that are drilled into the ground for you to use but can't take home with you? Rock cairns to find and admire while walking through along the tree-covered trail? A few strategically-placed water fountains to rehydrate and cool down? Plenty of Porta-Potties and trash receptacles (including freebie baggies so you can scoop up your pet's droppings)? A random deer (or doe) sighting in or near the park every single time I've visited? Yes! A resounding "yes!" to all of it.

Tiny county park in a residential area, so no trails. You can walk around the park in about 15…read moreminutes. Small stocked pond with ice skating when safe and allowed, children's swings and slide and a small tennis court. Benches all around. Well kept by the county. Parking on the street and a small lot with a few handicapped spaces. Bicycling not allowed due the size of the park and amount of people. Playing field up and behind the park area. Events held occasionally.

Such an incredible playground! We went here twice with our young boys while visiting my in laws,…read morethey had a blast. Love the structures, it's fully fenced in, and there are tons if chairs on the sides for parents to sit. My kids could stay here all day if we let them. Wish there was a little more shade, but you can find some spots.

Located at the South Mountain Waterfront, the Essex County Regatta Playground is a nautical-themed…read moreplay area for kids and little ones. Nearby are the swan paddle boats, which can be rented. Also, the public bathrooms are near the Regatta Playground, as well as a picnic area and wooden lawn chairs. Note: The picnic area is sometimes reserved for private events/groups, but is otherwise available most of the time.

Love coming to this park for a walk during my lunch break. It has a bathroom that's open from April…read moreto October and it is kept clean. They also have water stations to refill your water bottle. Overall, this place makes me feel secure and safe to walk around with headphones on.

Great place for kids. This park features a baseball field, lots of running space, and jungle gyms…read morefor all ages. This park has water fountain, bike parking, bathrooms, and trash cans available. I have been here a couple times to run as well as with family to enjoy the kids park. It can get a little crowded during peak hours but besides that it's a great place. Parking is available when you show up, not many cars can fit in the lot. If you ride your bike here the parking is by the jungle gyms. Bathrooms and water fountains are by the parking lot. If you're going for a run you can start by the baseball field and loop around behind the jungle gym. Park has a section of cherry blossoms which is nice too. If you picnic please take your trash with you, it's not a cute look. Enjoy your visit ! I know I did!

This park a really cute playground that I never knew existed. The path that goes around the park…read moreis beautiful. There is also a lot of open field if you want to have a picnic.

I went here after work to enjoy a nice walk. It is quite a lovely park which has something for…read moreeveryone.There is a big pond with 2 long paths, a baseball field, as well as a playground. It does get crowded but it's very manageable. The grass is clean and well kept and perfect for a picnic .There is also a lovely WWI memorial and a beautiful cherry blossom tree. I am definitely coming back !

Cedar grove community park, is about 6 acres of awesomeness!!!! Lol the amenities in this park…read moreinclude a public pool with changing areas and diving boards, deep end and kiddie pool. A beautifully landscaped garden and ball field. The baseball field has 2 sets of 60+ person sitting bleachers, well lit night lights and pitchers pen. Plenty of park benches and trash cans for having bday parties. Also Built in BBQ pits. Parking is free and very conveniently accessible with over 120 spots, with RV parking. Public bathrooms are available and opened and cleaned daily. There are 2 massive playgrounds available for all ages. One is located next to the park benches and BBQ puts and the other right behind the ball field. My daughter and I had an amazing time at cedar grove community park. Very clean and safe atmosphere. YES!!!! It's open to the public. Reviews Yelp!!!! David $ Erica.

One of the best parks in the northern NJ area for a family friendly walk. No through traffic while…read morein the park. The park has a basketball court, baseball field, bathrooms, and picnic tables. One of the best features is that there's a stream that runs through the park with a small waterfall at the end. Plenty of restaurants within a 5 minute walk of the park

We passed by this park by accident when we were grabbing desserts. It was so pretty with the fall…read moreleaves I had to stop real quick to take a photo. It is a big park we drove around it to get to a different location we were going to. I saw teenagers playing around the park and people walking their dogs. A great place for a chill, relaxing day to walk around or spend time in.

A park I used to frequent often in my youth and even now occasionally if there is an event such as…read morethe Jazz Festival. The park has a neighborhood-like setting with houses and even the aforementioned elementary school across the street compared to some other parks in Essex county that are a bit more removed. The park has a nice mixture of park staples for its size. This includes a basketball, baseball field, tennis courts and open field. The unique part of this park is the community pool, another place I'd frequent, but on my most recent visit it was not open despite being a nice day so hopefully it is still being operated. The park has a few paths for walking but not as extensive as some other parks in Essex county. The park has a nice amount of benches, parking lot along with street parking and a nice MLK memorial as you make your way around the park. Not the biggest park, but a lively and decent one a little off from the growing center of downtown Montclair.

I checked out Nishuane Park a few weekends ago for the Montclair Jazz Festival. It's held here…read moreevery year. I've driven past the park on so many times, but never realized from Harrison Ave just how expansive the park is. If you drive past the fire station on the corner of Harrison and Cedar, you won't see the sprawling passive green, walking paths, baseball field, basketball courts, and playground. Apparently, there's also a public pool (I didn't see that when I visited). So the day of the Jazz Festival, I was surprised that Nishuane was able to contain all festival goers that Saturday. There was even an area in the park where there were a slew of food trucks and vendor stands. It's nice to know that this park serves as the locations for this and other community events. Also, if you like to walk, I'd also recommend checking out the massive mansions on Stonebridge Road, between Sutherland and Llewelyn. Stonebridge is parallel with Harrison Ave. Beautiful, old homes. It's a very family friendly park and a wonderful place to spend your Saturday.

Great park in West Caldwell. There is a very nice open field adjacent to the tennis courts…read more Restrooms are available. A very nice walking trail is in the rear of the playground that lead to the Cedar St. swimming pool. It's a relatively new park; all of the equipment is well-kept. More water fountains would be a plus.

Great municipal park. Has bandstand for concerts. Beautiful water fountain. Children's play…read moresection. Next to town hall.

This is a great park for kids. The playground is fairly new and very well maintained. It is also…read moreone of the largest with three sets of jungle gyms all within a fenced-in area. It keeps my toddler entertained for quite some time and helps burn all that crazy toddler energy. In addition there is a small spray park that is open during the summer months. Small kids love it. It's $1/pp to enter though. Should really be free since its a Municipal park. There is also a nice water fountain and a Amphitheater that hosts summer concerts and such. Across the street, there is a basketball court with a few hoops. One caveat, no animals are allowed so don't plan on bringing your dog with you.