EXPLORE THE PARKS
Dive into the inspiration behind each park’s visual identity. From color choices to the culture and monuments that shape each park’s unique charm, this section breaks down how the character of Newark’s five major parks shaped the branding system for the Newark City Parks Foundation.
Click on a park below to learn more.
Military Park
Mulberry Commons
Riverfront Park
Lincoln Park
Harriet Tubman Square
The icon for Mulberry Commons is an abstracted looping shape inspired by the park’s distinctive playground equipment. Its form subtly resembles a scripted “M,” tying back to the park’s name while evoking movement, play, and the park’s modern, family-friendly design.
Red was selected to reflect the red-orange tones found throughout the park, including the playground structures, outdoor restrooms, and architectural details. The color conveys energy and warmth, aligning with Mulberry Commons’ role as a lively, interactive space in the heart of downtown Newark.
Color treated photos from events, site visits, and found imagery.
Inspiration photos taken from site visits.
Mulberry Commons lies just west of Newark Penn Station, connecting the Ironbound District to the downtown core. A newer addition to the city’s green spaces, it represents Newark’s continued investment in public infrastructure, designed as both a recreational zone and a gateway to development.
We chose the carousel horse as the symbol for Military Park to highlight the historic carousel, a beloved feature that connects generations of Newark residents to the park and is representative of various horses and key figures responsible for Newark’s history.
Green was selected as the park’s representative color for its versatility and association with open lawns, shaded trees, and the overall sense of renewal that the park brings to the downtown landscape.
Inspiration photos taken from site visits.
Military Park sits at the junction of Broad Street and Park Place in Downtown Newark, across from NJPAC. Originally a colonial militia training ground, the park has evolved into a community gathering space with monuments, gardens, and public art—balancing history with vibrant urban life.
Color treated photos from events, site visits, and found imagery.
Riverfront Park’s icon is a simplified version of The Sticks, the park’s signature orange sculpture. Its vertical, geometric form captures the spirit of transformation and movement, tying into the site’s shift from industrial riverfront to a vibrant public space.
Orange was chosen to reflect both The Sticks and the bright docks along the river’s edge. The color also references the legacy of Agent Orange pollution in the Passaic River, linking the park’s design identity to themes of restoration, memory, and resilience.
Inspiration photos taken from site visits.
Riverfront Park stretches along the Passaic River in Newark’s East Ward, offering waterfront access, walking trails, and sports facilities. Once an industrial zone, the park now symbolizes environmental renewal and community resilience, bringing nature back to the city’s edge.
Color treated photos from events, site visits, and found imagery.
Lincoln Park’s icon features three stylized trumpets, representing the park’s deep connection to Newark’s musical heritage. The design reflects the park’s vibrant cultural scene and its role as home to the city’s annual jazz and music festival, celebrating creativity and community through sound and performance.
Blue was selected to symbolize Lincoln Park’s rhythm and atmosphere, cool, expressive, and full of life. The color captures the soulful energy of the park’s music scene while adding a sense of harmony and depth to the broader NCPF identity system.
Inspiration photos taken from site visits.
Lincoln Park is located in Newark’s South Ward, just off Clinton Avenue, and serves as one of the city’s oldest public spaces. Once a colonial-era green and later a hub for jazz and protest culture, it remains a site of cultural expression, hosting festivals and community gatherings that honor Newark’s artistic and activist heritage.
Color treated photos from events, site visits, and found imagery.
The icon for Harriet Tubman Square is an outlined silhouette of Harriet Tubman, drawn directly from the new monument that stands in the park. This symbol celebrates her legacy of courage and freedom while grounding the park’s identity in Newark’s ongoing recognition of Black history and leadership.
Purple was chosen to carry forward the strong visual identity previously associated with the park. The color evokes dignity, empowerment, and historical depth, reflecting both Tubman’s enduring influence and the park’s renewed role as a site of remembrance and community pride.
Inspiration photos taken from site visits.
Harriet Tubman Square is located in the heart of Downtown Newark, at the intersection of Broad Street and Washington Street. Formerly known as Washington Park, the space was renamed in 2022 to honor the legacy of Harriet Tubman and to better reflect the community’s values and historical contributions of Black Americans in Newark.
Color treated photos from events, site visits, and found imagery.
