Wellness Programs at Essex County Branch Brook Park
Essex County Branch Brook Park is a powerful catalyst for physical activity, well-being, and community engagement. In our work, we see the link between active behavior and positive impacts on health outcomes. The free programming that we offer to our community not only embodies our passion for education on health equity, but also provides tangible solutions to enhance the physical and mental health of all our community members.
We invite everyone to join us in regular low-to-moderate physical activity through our Discovering Wellness with Branch Brook Park Alliance community health programming: Yoga, Zumba, Soul Line Dancing, Walks, Hikes, Running, Gardening and more. If there is something you are interested in, but do not see, please contact us.
We invite everyone to join us in regular low-to-moderate physical activity through our Discovering Wellness with Branch Brook Park Alliance community health programming: Yoga, Zumba, Soul Line Dancing, Walks, Hikes, Running, Gardening and more. If there is something you are interested in, but do not see, please contact us.
Friends Like You
Help us keep programs like these free for all to enjoy.
Our Proud Sponsors
These programs would not be possible without our sponsors.
THANK YOU
Branch Brook Park Alliance thanks our premier sponsors of Discovering Wellness and our Marquee Sponsor, Prudential.
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Hike in the Park
The Olmsted Trek: Trails, Trees & Tranquility
Pre-registration required, click the link above.
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 8am to 9:30am (followed by complimentary yoga session)
Meet at: Essex County Branch Brook, Prudential Concert Grove, Branch Brook Park Drive, Newark, NJ 07104
We will start at the Olmsted Bust, this is the GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WLQwXZZJBuJCdEnv5
Distance: 3.5 miles, 1.5hours, Moderate Level
For adults and families with children ages 10 and older. Start your morning with intention and movement as we explore 3.5 miles of Essex County Branch Brook Park’s most iconic landscapes. This flat, brisk-paced hike begins at 8am at the Olmsted Bust in Prudential Concert Grove, winding through three of the park’s four divisions, including a two-mile loop on the rubberized Lenape Trail. Along the way, discover the park’s rich horticulture and historical design from our expert guide while taking in the beauty of its native flora and fauna. After your walk, stay for a complimentary yoga session at 10am to center your body and spirit in nature.
Pre-registration required, click the link above.
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 8am to 9:30am (followed by complimentary yoga session)
Meet at: Essex County Branch Brook, Prudential Concert Grove, Branch Brook Park Drive, Newark, NJ 07104
We will start at the Olmsted Bust, this is the GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WLQwXZZJBuJCdEnv5
Distance: 3.5 miles, 1.5hours, Moderate Level
For adults and families with children ages 10 and older. Start your morning with intention and movement as we explore 3.5 miles of Essex County Branch Brook Park’s most iconic landscapes. This flat, brisk-paced hike begins at 8am at the Olmsted Bust in Prudential Concert Grove, winding through three of the park’s four divisions, including a two-mile loop on the rubberized Lenape Trail. Along the way, discover the park’s rich horticulture and historical design from our expert guide while taking in the beauty of its native flora and fauna. After your walk, stay for a complimentary yoga session at 10am to center your body and spirit in nature.
Yoga in the Park
In partnership with Lotus Yoga in the City of Newark, our vision is to provide physical, mental and emotional health opportunities that uplift the lives of our community. Join your friends and neighbors in a weekly physical and spiritual awakening. FREE - thanks to our sponsors.
Soul Line Dancing
In partnership with J-Boogie from Beyond the Boogie & Step-4-Step, Branch Brook Park Alliance proudly offers an invigorating and health-enhancing experience to the community through soul line dancing. This dynamic form of exercise, ranging from moderate to vigorous intensity, provides a comprehensive cardiovascular workout. It not only uplifts your physical well-being but also fosters a sense of community and joy among participants. We warmly invite you to join this rhythmic journey towards better health and spirited connection in the serene ambiance of the park. FREE - thanks to our sponsors.
Zumba in the Park
In partnership with Crystal Gaynor we bring you Zumba. Besides losing weight, Zumba can help lower your risk of heart disease, reduce your blood pressure and bad cholesterol, and boost your good cholesterol.
Pickleball 101: Free Beginner Clinics
BEGINNER: LEVEL + ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED (FREE)
If you've never played pickleball before, start out on the right foot with our pickleball beginner clinic. Designed for new players to grasp pickleball fundamentals confidently, students will learn the proper grip, practice the technique for forehand and backhand groundstrokes, volley, and learn to serve. Players will learn the rules of the game, and finish the class with point play. Instructor: Tony Villanueva, a member of the Forest Hill Community Association (FHCA)
If you've never played pickleball before, start out on the right foot with our pickleball beginner clinic. Designed for new players to grasp pickleball fundamentals confidently, students will learn the proper grip, practice the technique for forehand and backhand groundstrokes, volley, and learn to serve. Players will learn the rules of the game, and finish the class with point play. Instructor: Tony Villanueva, a member of the Forest Hill Community Association (FHCA)
Park Run
Branch Brook Park "parkrun" is a FREE weekly 5k event for participants of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 9:00am in Branch Brook Park, Newark, Essex County NJ 07104. This wellness activation is sponsored and hosted by parkRun, click the button to learn more.
This is an opportunity for all, regardless of age or gender, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the outdoors and get physically active. We want to encourage people to run, jog, walk and volunteer together – this event is truly open to all and best of all - it really is FREE!
This is an opportunity for all, regardless of age or gender, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the outdoors and get physically active. We want to encourage people to run, jog, walk and volunteer together – this event is truly open to all and best of all - it really is FREE!
Gardening
The gardening experience begins with a "packet of wonder," that seeds and trees alike, will produce a charming festival of color. Gardening can be considered both as an art concerned with arranging living things harmoniously in their surroundings, and as a science, encompassing the principles and techniques of cultivation. Did you know that it's been proven that mild gardening burns up to 300 calories? Just think of all those calories you burn when planting an entire garden bed! Let's get ready to dig! Visit the community calendar by clicking the link above to register.
