It’s officially fall and although I didn’t order the 90-degree weather in October, the season calls for change, and a note of change came to my front door.
Newark is updating four play structures in four different parks in the city starting this month, according to the information sent out by the City of Newark.
It’s difficult to see change in the places that hold memories for so many. Whenever changes like this happen, my first reaction is usually something like, “Why the change? The place is fine as it is.” I’m sure most of those parks aren’t falling apart and are safe enough to play on. But, of course, how would I know? I’m not the one using them—at least not for the last 25 years.
The change is part of the city’s Parks Master Plan Update. The four parks receiving the updates include Birch Grove Park, Jerry Raber Ash Street Park, Mirabeau Park and Newark Community Park.
Newark parks aren’t the only ones that are getting attention. The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) has been working on updating their district plan as they’re reaching their 100th anniversary.
Public input for the master plan update began spring 2025. Some of the input included interest in path improvements, access to parks for all ages and abilities, and cultural and preservation programs. After gathering responses from the public, the district is now looking at how to organize their priorities, goals and action plans.
The story of how the EBRPD came to be has always given me hope in people. When the measure to preserve the land and tax residents was put on the ballot of Nov. 4, 1934, the measure passed with a 71% vote. Even in the middle of the Great Depression the majority of people cared about the nature and preservation of the land around them—even if that meant getting taxed for it.
There will always be something about parks that bring life and humanity to a community. So, although the look of my childhood park will completely change in the next few weeks, it brings me comfort that the city continues to ensure that these parks can be enjoyed by another generation of neighborhood kids.
