Milbank Park

Nestled in the heart of Bloomfield, New Jersey, Milbank Park stands as a true community gem, offering a refreshing escape from the daily hustle and bustle. This beloved local park, though modest in size at approximately half an acre, is a testament to thoughtful urban planning, providing essential green space and recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. Milbank Park is more than just a patch of green; it's a vibrant hub where families gather, children play, and nature lovers find solace. Its design as a passive mini-green, complemented by active play areas, makes it versatile and welcoming to various activities, from quiet contemplation to lively family outings. For those in Bloomfield and surrounding Essex County, Milbank Park serves as a convenient and well-maintained outdoor resource, enhancing the quality of life within the community. It embodies the spirit of local recreation, offering a much-needed space for connection and outdoor enjoyment right within the neighborhood.

Since its significant upgrades, including the addition of a modern tot-lot, Milbank Park has become an even more indispensable asset. The park’s commitment to safety and accessibility is evident in its well-maintained facilities and thoughtful design. It’s a place where you can truly feel connected to the vibrant pulse of Bloomfield, while simultaneously finding a sense of peace amidst its natural beauty. The park is a prime example of how even smaller urban green spaces can have a profound impact on community well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and providing a readily available outdoor haven for everyone.

Milbank Park is conveniently located at 264 N 17th Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, USA. This address places it squarely within a residential neighborhood, making it easily accessible for many Bloomfield residents on foot or by bicycle. Its proximity to local streets ensures that it's a quick trip for those living nearby, allowing spontaneous visits for an afternoon stroll or a playdate.

For those traveling by car, on-street parking is typically available around the park, offering a practical solution for visitors coming from slightly further afield within Bloomfield or from neighboring towns. The park's location just off Bloomfield Avenue provides a clear route for navigation, making it straightforward to find even for first-time visitors. Public transportation options in Bloomfield also provide a way to reach the park for those who rely on buses or other local transit services. The overall accessibility of Milbank Park contributes significantly to its popularity and frequent use by the local community, ensuring that it remains a readily available resource for outdoor recreation and relaxation. This easy access is a key factor in its suitability as a neighborhood park, allowing residents to seamlessly integrate visits into their daily routines.

Moreover, the park's design also considers accessibility for individuals with varying needs. Efforts have been made to ensure pathways and certain areas are navigable, including plans for future expansions in the community garden to include wheelchair-accessible raised beds. This commitment to inclusivity further enhances Milbank Park's role as a welcoming space for all members of the Bloomfield community.

Milbank Park offers a range of services and amenities designed to cater to the diverse needs of the Bloomfield community. While it is a smaller, neighborhood park, it provides essential features that contribute significantly to local quality of life:

• Passive Mini-Green: A designated area for quiet relaxation, reading, or simply enjoying the outdoors. This passive space is ideal for those seeking a tranquil environment away from more active play areas.
• Tot-Lot: A dedicated playground area specifically designed for younger children, typically ages 2-5. This "tot lot" includes age-appropriate swings, climbing structures, and slides, providing a safe and engaging space for toddlers and preschoolers to play and develop motor skills. The play area features rubber tiles for enhanced safety.
• Seating Areas: Numerous benches are strategically placed throughout the park, offering comfortable spots for parents to supervise their children, for individuals to rest, or for friends to chat.
• Fencing: The presence of fencing around the tot-lot and certain areas of the park enhances safety, particularly for young children, providing a secure environment for play.
• Waste Receptacles: Ample trash receptacles are available to encourage cleanliness and maintain the park's aesthetic appeal, making it easy for visitors to dispose of their waste properly.
• Dog Waste Bag Dispensers: For the convenience of dog owners and to promote a clean environment, the park includes dispensers for dog waste bags.
• Community Garden: Milbank Park hosts a community garden, a volunteer-led initiative that provides gardening space for residents. This garden fosters healthy living, positive eating habits, and environmental stewardship, allowing residents to grow their own fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Plots are available for seasonal renting to Township residents on a first-come, first-served basis, and include access to soil, composting bins, and garden tools. Future plans include customized raised beds for wheelchair access.
• Security Cameras: The park is monitored by security cameras, contributing to a safer environment for all visitors.

Milbank Park stands out for several key features and highlights that make it a valuable asset to the Bloomfield community:

• Newly Upgraded Tot-Lot: The park underwent significant improvements, notably with the addition of a modern "tot lot." This dedicated play area for young children (ages 2-5) boasts a swing set, climbing playground, and slide, all enhanced with aesthetically pleasing and durable rubber tiles replacing traditional wood chips, ensuring a safer play surface.
• Community Garden Expansion and Accessibility: A truly unique and celebrated feature is the community garden established in collaboration with the Neighbor to Neighbor Network (NTNT) and the Bloomfield Garden Committee. This garden not only provides residents with space to cultivate their own produce but also actively promotes healthy living and environmental stewardship. Plans are in place to expand the number of raised beds, including those customized for wheelchair access and individuals with back injuries, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. The garden has also successfully donated fresh produce to local food pantries.
• Passive Green Space: Despite its relatively small size, Milbank Park effectively incorporates a "passive mini-green" area. This design allows for quiet enjoyment, providing benches and open space for relaxation, reading, or simply appreciating the outdoors without the intensity of active recreation.
• Enhanced Safety and Security: The park's upgrades included the installation of new benches, trash receptacles, and protective fencing, contributing to a more comfortable and well-maintained environment. Furthermore, the park is monitored by security cameras, offering peace of mind to visitors.
• Neighborhood-Oriented Design: Milbank Park is a prime example of a neighborhood-oriented park. Its half-acre footprint is efficiently utilized to serve the immediate community, providing essential recreational and green space within walking distance for many residents.
• Community Engagement: The presence and success of the community garden highlight the park's role in fostering community engagement. It’s a space where residents can connect over shared interests, learn about gardening, and contribute to local food initiatives.

As a municipal park, Milbank Park does not typically offer commercial promotions or "special offers" in the traditional sense. Its value lies in providing free and accessible recreational amenities to the public. However, the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department, which oversees Milbank Park, frequently organizes community-wide events and programs throughout the year that residents can take advantage of.

While specific "promotions" for Milbank Park itself are not common, the Township often hosts various activities that utilize its parks, or are related to general community recreation. These might include:

• Community Garden Plot Rentals: Residents can apply to rent garden plots in the Milbank Park Community Garden. While there might be a nominal seasonal fee to cover maintenance, this is a unique opportunity for residents to grow their own produce, effectively a "special offer" for gardening enthusiasts. Information on availability and application processes would be handled through the Bloomfield Garden Committee or relevant Township department.
• Free Community Events: The Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department regularly organizes free special events across the Township’s park system. These events could include outdoor concerts, movie nights, seasonal festivals, or health and wellness programs. While not always held specifically at Milbank Park due to its size, these events contribute to the overall recreational offerings available to Bloomfield residents. It's always a good idea to check the Bloomfield Township website or local community calendars for upcoming events that might be held at or near Milbank Park.
• Educational Workshops: The Community Garden may host occasional free or low-cost workshops on gardening techniques, healthy eating, or environmental sustainability. These are valuable "offers" for those looking to expand their knowledge and skills.

To stay informed about any community events, programs, or opportunities related to Milbank Park or other Bloomfield Township parks, residents are encouraged to visit the official Bloomfield Township website, particularly the sections for Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs, and Special Events. Local community centers and libraries may also provide information on upcoming activities.

For more information about Milbank Park, or to inquire about its facilities and community garden plots, residents in New Jersey can use the following contact details:

Address: 264 N 17th St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, USA

As a municipal park, direct phone contact for Milbank Park specifically is not typically available. For general inquiries regarding park maintenance, community garden initiatives, or recreational programs overseen by the Township, you would typically contact the Bloomfield Township Department of Public Works or the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department.

For Public Works and Park Maintenance inquiries, you may refer to the Bloomfield Township Public Works department:

Phone: 973-680-4127

It is always recommended to check the official Bloomfield Township website (bloomfieldtwpnj.com) for the most up-to-date contact information, news, and details on park amenities and services, as information can sometimes change.

Milbank Park is an outstanding example of how a well-maintained and thoughtfully designed green space can significantly enhance the quality of life for local residents in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors, making it an indispensable part of the community fabric.

Firstly, its convenient location in a residential area at 264 N 17th Street ensures easy accessibility. Many residents can reach the park on foot, encouraging outdoor activity and reducing the need for vehicular travel for quick visits. The availability of on-street parking further broadens its reach to those slightly further away, ensuring that it remains a practical destination for families and individuals throughout Bloomfield.

Secondly, Milbank Park offers a balanced array of amenities that cater to various needs and age groups. The passive mini-green provides a serene environment for relaxation, reading, or simply enjoying nature, offering a much-needed respite from urban life. This quiet zone is perfectly complemented by the vibrant tot-lot, a safe and engaging play area specifically designed for young children. Parents can confidently bring their toddlers and preschoolers, knowing they have a secure space with age-appropriate equipment and rubberized surfacing for safety. The park's commitment to continuous improvement, evidenced by its significant upgrades, means it remains a modern and functional space.

Beyond its recreational offerings, Milbank Park fosters a strong sense of community through its thriving community garden. This initiative allows residents to cultivate their own produce, promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness. It also serves as a gathering place, connecting neighbors through shared interests and providing opportunities for learning and collaboration. The garden's ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility, including plans for wheelchair-friendly beds, highlight the park's dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that all members of the community can participate and benefit.

The presence of security cameras and well-maintained facilities further reinforces Milbank Park as a safe and welcoming environment. These thoughtful additions contribute to the overall peace of mind for visitors, making it a reliable and enjoyable destination for daily use.

In essence, Milbank Park is more than just a park; it’s a vital community asset that supports physical well-being, fosters social connection, and provides a beautiful, accessible green space. For the residents of Bloomfield, it serves as a cherished local oasis, enhancing their quality of life by offering a convenient, safe, and engaging environment for recreation and relaxation, right in their own neighborhood.

Milbank Park

264 N 17th St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, USA