Verona, New Jersey
Verona, New Jersey
Verona, New Jersey
Verona, New Jersey
Verona Park is located in the town of Verona, NJ and is a part of the Essex County park system. It is 54.32 acres with a lake running through it. It is bordered by Lakeside and Bloomfield Avenues in the southern part of Verona. It is the fifth largest park in the Essex County system.
Once an old swamp, the lake was first formed in 1814 when Doctor Gone (or Bohn) dammed the Peckman River for a grist mill. Later this lake, surrounded by weeping willow trees and winding paths, became an ideal location for family activities. Even before it became a county park, the public flocked there by way of the Bloomfield Avenue trolley to swim and picnic and enjoy some commercial amusements.
Early in the 1900’s Essex County decided to buy the land and develop it into a county park. World War I delayed planning, but in 1922 the Olmsted Brothers were hired to create the infrastructure for what would eventually become Verona Park. The final plans included a boathouse, a 32’ footbridge, a bandstand, and an island constructed in the north part of Verona Lake by the Erie Railroad in anticipation of opening a rail line through Verona, but which ended up becoming part of the Verona Park we enjoy today.
Support Verona Park
The Conservancy has a thriving volunteer community! Whatever your interests or skills, we would love to work alongside you to make Verona Park even better!
Your support helps us carry out our mission to improve Verona Park’s trees and gardens. It is also a wonderful way to honor or memorialize friends and loved ones.
Interested in Renting the Boathouse?
All questions regarding rental and use of the Boathouse are handled through the Essex County Parks and Recreation Department. You can contact them at 973-268-3500.