We went to Branch Brook Park, Newark, for the 10K Cherry Blossom Run and lo and behold, the cherry blossoms were in bloom, and the party was just getting started at the beautifully renovated Cherry Blossom Center.
One section of the hand-painted interior at the renovated Cherry Blossom Center. Hats' off to County Executive Joe Divincenzo and all the workers and artists who bestowed on this building a new life.
Hundreds of runners champing at the bit!
If you get a chance this week to check out the beautiful display of cherry blossom trees, by all means, drop everything and get over there!
BACKGROUND
The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. The Park System provides more than 6,000 acres of tranquil settings and open space, and has 18 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, three off-leash dog facilities and a castle.
Branch Brook Park was created in 1895 and is the first park in Essex County's system. At 359.72 acres, it is the largest county park in Essex.
The Cherry Blossom trees were added to the park as a result of a 1927 gift from the Bamberger and Mrs. Felix Fuld family.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. is spearheading a comprehensive program to revitalize the Essex County Park System, and is working with local conservancies to apply for grants to upgrade athletic fields, modernize playgrounds and recreation facilities, and improve conditions.
Branch Brook Park Alliance
The Branch Brook Park Alliance was formed in 1999 by local residents. They work with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs to help restore, renew, and preserve the park.
The alliance recognizes the park's dual importance as a state treasure and as an essential and beneficial resource. Their goal is to raise public awareness of Branch Brook Park's attributes and to financially support its rehabilitation so that historic preservation and modern-day needs are successfully integrated.
For additional information, please visit www.branchbrookpark.org.
Copyright © 2008 by Anthony Buccino, all rights reserved. Content may not be used for commercial purposes without written permission.
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