Restoring a Legacy. Investing in the Future.
Capital Improvements at Essex County Branch Brook Park
Great parks are preserved, renewed, and thoughtfully adapted for generations to come.
Since Branch Brook Park Alliance was founded in 1999, we have worked in partnership with the County of Essex to help raise and invest more than $70 million in a wide range of projects throughout Essex County Branch Brook Park.
Under the leadership of County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., this partnership has supported historic preservation, landscape restoration, recreational facilities, public amenities, accessibility improvements, and the ongoing renewal of one of America’s most important public parks.
The recent and proposed projects featured below are above and beyond that $70 million investment.
Since Branch Brook Park Alliance was founded in 1999, we have worked in partnership with the County of Essex to help raise and invest more than $70 million in a wide range of projects throughout Essex County Branch Brook Park.
Under the leadership of County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., this partnership has supported historic preservation, landscape restoration, recreational facilities, public amenities, accessibility improvements, and the ongoing renewal of one of America’s most important public parks.
The recent and proposed projects featured below are above and beyond that $70 million investment.
28 Years of Partnership
More Than $70 Million Raised and Invested Since 1999
The transformation of Essex County Branch Brook Park reflects a sustained partnership between Branch Brook Park Alliance and the County of Essex.
Essex County and the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs lead and manage capital improvements throughout the park—from planning and construction procurement through project delivery and long-term maintenance.
Branch Brook Park Alliance supports this work by raising funds, building partnerships, and pursuing matching reimbursement grants from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program.
Together, we are preserving the park’s historic landscape while creating safer, more accessible, and more welcoming spaces for everyone.
Essex County and the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs lead and manage capital improvements throughout the park—from planning and construction procurement through project delivery and long-term maintenance.
Branch Brook Park Alliance supports this work by raising funds, building partnerships, and pursuing matching reimbursement grants from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program.
Together, we are preserving the park’s historic landscape while creating safer, more accessible, and more welcoming spaces for everyone.
Recent Capital Improvements
$6.83 Million in Additional Completed Projects
The following completed projects represent more than $4.67 million in recent capital improvements beyond the more than $70 million previously raised and invested in Essex County Branch Brook Park.
Basketball Courts and Accessible Restroom Facilities
Completed 2026 | $2.16 Million+ Investment
Expanding Recreation and Access
Essex County completed improvements to the basketball facilities and accessible public restrooms in the park’s Southern Division.
The project has created a more welcoming recreational space, improved access to essential public amenities, and strengthen opportunities for recreation, inclusion, and community well-being.
Branch Brook Park Alliance supported the County project by securing a $1.08M NJDEP Green Acres matching reimbursement grant.
Expanding Recreation and Access
Essex County completed improvements to the basketball facilities and accessible public restrooms in the park’s Southern Division.
The project has created a more welcoming recreational space, improved access to essential public amenities, and strengthen opportunities for recreation, inclusion, and community well-being.
Branch Brook Park Alliance supported the County project by securing a $1.08M NJDEP Green Acres matching reimbursement grant.
Patricia A. Chambers Cherry Tree Grove
Completed 2025 | $1.51 Million Investment
A Living Legacy of Beauty and Adaptation for today's use.
Located in the park’s Northern Division, the Patricia A. Chambers Cherry Tree Grove honors an enduring legacy while enriching Essex County Branch Brook Park’s celebrated collection of flowering cherry trees.
The project restored and enhanced the landscape with new plantings, welcoming pathways, and spaces for reflection, discovery, and connection. It represents a lasting investment in the beauty and historic character of Essex County Branch Brook Park.
Branch Brook Park Alliance supported the County project by securing a $500,000 NJDEP Green Acres matching reimbursement grant.
A Living Legacy of Beauty and Adaptation for today's use.
Located in the park’s Northern Division, the Patricia A. Chambers Cherry Tree Grove honors an enduring legacy while enriching Essex County Branch Brook Park’s celebrated collection of flowering cherry trees.
The project restored and enhanced the landscape with new plantings, welcoming pathways, and spaces for reflection, discovery, and connection. It represents a lasting investment in the beauty and historic character of Essex County Branch Brook Park.
Branch Brook Park Alliance supported the County project by securing a $500,000 NJDEP Green Acres matching reimbursement grant.
Three Diamond Baseball and Softball Fields
Completed 2024 | $3.16 Million Essex County Investment
Renewing a Tradition. Inspiring the Next Generation.
For generations, baseball and softball have been part of the living history of Branch Brook Park.
Essex County’s comprehensive renovation of the Three Diamonds athletic complex renewed three heavily used fields near the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center. The improvements created safer, more reliable playing conditions and enhanced the experience for athletes, families, and spectators.
The completed project includes restored synthetic-turf infields, new player benches, spectator bleachers, signage, and related park amenities.
Branch Brook Park Alliance supported the County project by securing a $500,000 NJDEP Green Acres matching reimbursement grant.
Renewing a Tradition. Inspiring the Next Generation.
For generations, baseball and softball have been part of the living history of Branch Brook Park.
Essex County’s comprehensive renovation of the Three Diamonds athletic complex renewed three heavily used fields near the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center. The improvements created safer, more reliable playing conditions and enhanced the experience for athletes, families, and spectators.
The completed project includes restored synthetic-turf infields, new player benches, spectator bleachers, signage, and related park amenities.
Branch Brook Park Alliance supported the County project by securing a $500,000 NJDEP Green Acres matching reimbursement grant.
More Improvements on the Horizon
Essex County is also advancing more than $1.55 million in additional planned improvements at
Essex County Branch Brook Park.
Essex County Branch Brook Park.
Accessible Walking Paths and Pedestrian Improvements
In Progress | $1.55 Million Estimated Project Cost
Creating Safer, More Inclusive Connections
Essex County’s proposed accessibility project would rehabilitate walking paths and sidewalks throughout Essex County Branch Brook Park.
Planned improvements include smoother paved surfaces, accessible slopes and curb ramps, rest areas, signage, and safer pedestrian crossings. These improvements are intended to make the park easier and safer to navigate for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Branch Brook Park Alliance supported the County project by securing a $773,980 NJDEP Green Acres matching reimbursement grant.
Creating Safer, More Inclusive Connections
Essex County’s proposed accessibility project would rehabilitate walking paths and sidewalks throughout Essex County Branch Brook Park.
Planned improvements include smoother paved surfaces, accessible slopes and curb ramps, rest areas, signage, and safer pedestrian crossings. These improvements are intended to make the park easier and safer to navigate for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Branch Brook Park Alliance supported the County project by securing a $773,980 NJDEP Green Acres matching reimbursement grant.
