Old Tree In Anderson Park

Anderson Park, located at 51 Upper Montclair Plaza in Montclair, New Jersey, is more than just a typical town park; it's a historic green oasis designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm, celebrated for its serene beauty and its central role in the Upper Montclair community. For generations of New Jersey residents, particularly those in Montclair, Anderson Park has been a cherished spot for quiet contemplation, family outings, and vibrant local events.

The park holds a special place in the hearts of many, not least for its iconic "Old Tree," the majestic Olmsted Oak. While this magnificent tree, estimated to be around 250 years old, unfortunately fell during a storm in August 2024 due to high winds and internal rot, its spirit and legacy live on. A beautiful bench crafted from its wood was installed in the park in May 2025, serving as a lasting tribute and a new gathering spot. This commitment to honoring its past while looking to the future exemplifies Anderson Park's enduring appeal. For anyone in New Jersey seeking a blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community, Anderson Park remains an essential destination.

Anderson Park is ideally situated at 51 Upper Montclair Plaza, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA. This prime location places it at the heart of the bustling Upper Montclair business district, bordered by North Mountain Avenue, Parkside Road, Bellevue Avenue, and the NJ Transit train tracks. Its central position makes it incredibly accessible for local residents and visitors alike.

For those traveling by car, there is typically on-street parking available in the surrounding Upper Montclair Plaza area and adjacent residential streets. While it can get busy, especially during peak weekend hours or special events, the integration of the park within a mixed-use district means parking options are generally available within a reasonable walking distance. The park's design, with its curving pathways and multiple entrances, facilitates easy entry and exit, making it convenient for families with strollers or those simply seeking a leisurely stroll.

A significant advantage of Anderson Park's location is its direct proximity to the Upper Montclair NJ Transit train station. This makes it exceptionally accessible for commuters and those relying on public transportation from other parts of Montclair or even broader New Jersey. Several NJ Transit bus routes also serve the Upper Montclair area, with stops within a short walk of the park. This excellent multi-modal accessibility ensures that Anderson Park remains a beloved and highly utilized green space for the entire Montclair community. Its role as a "village green" for the historic Upper Montclair business district further cements its status as a convenient and welcoming hub.

Anderson Park, while designed for passive recreation, offers a range of services that contribute to its role as a vital community space:

• Open Green Spaces & Meadows: The park's design includes expansive meadows and unstructured green areas, ideal for informal picnics, playing Frisbee, flying kites, or simply relaxing on the grass.
• Paved Walking and Jogging Paths: A pear-shaped main loop and smaller inner loops provide well-maintained paved pathways, attracting joggers, walkers, and those learning to ride bicycles. These paths are also wheelchair-friendly, ensuring accessibility for all.
• Scenic Beauty and Landscape Design: As an Olmsted-designed park, its primary service is to offer a beautifully landscaped environment with large shade trees (including the legacy of the Olmsted Oak), thoughtful shrub beds, and naturalistic aesthetics that provide a visually pleasing and calming atmosphere.
• Community Gathering Space: The park serves as a de facto "village green" for Upper Montclair, hosting numerous community events, informal meet-ups, and serving as a focal point for neighborhood life.
• Historic Landmark: Being on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the park offers an informal educational service, connecting visitors to a significant piece of landscape architecture and local history.
• Public Restroom Facilities: Public restrooms are available, typically located at the southeast corner of the park, providing an essential amenity for visitors.
• Tribute to the Olmsted Oak: The newly installed bench crafted from the fallen Olmsted Oak serves as a unique "service" by preserving a piece of the park's history and providing a new, symbolic gathering point for reflection and rest.

Anderson Park is rich with features and highlights that contribute to its charm and popularity among Montclair residents:

• Olmsted Design & Historic Significance: A defining feature is its design by the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm (John Charles Olmsted oversaw its creation), making it a historically significant example of landscape architecture. This design emphasizes natural beauty, curving pathways, and open vistas.
• The Olmsted Oak Legacy (New Bench Tribute): While the original 250-year-old Olmsted Oak fell in August 2024, its legacy is preserved through a stunning curved bench crafted from its wood. This new feature, installed in May 2025, serves as a powerful and beautiful tribute, allowing visitors to still connect with the spirit of this magnificent tree. The remaining stump also serves as a popular play spot for children.
• Versatile Open Meadow: The expansive central meadow is a flexible space used for a variety of informal activities, from frisbee and kite flying to casual volleyball or soccer games, providing ample room for active play or peaceful relaxation.
• Accessible Paved Pathways: The park's network of paved paths is a highlight for joggers, dog walkers, and families, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all, including those with strollers or in wheelchairs.
• Host of Major Community Events: Anderson Park is well-known as the backdrop for cherished annual events, including the "Music Under the June Moon" chamber music concert and the popular Fine Arts and Crafts Fair each September. These events highlight its role as a cultural and social hub.
• Proximity to Upper Montclair Village: Its location adjacent to the vibrant Upper Montclair business district means visitors can easily combine a park outing with shopping, dining, or a visit to the Montclair Public Library's Bellevue Avenue branch.
• Toney's Brook: The small Toney's Brook flows through the east side of the park, adding a natural water feature and contributing to the park's ecological diversity and tranquil atmosphere.

As a public county park managed by the Essex County Park Commission, Anderson Park itself does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" for park entry, as access is free to all.

However, various organizations and events utilizing Anderson Park may offer their own specific promotions:

• Friends of Anderson Park Initiatives: The Friends of Anderson Park, a non-profit conservancy dedicated to the park's stewardship, often engages the community through initiatives such as "Plant a Legacy Tree" programs. While these are not discounts, they offer a meaningful way for residents to contribute to the park's future and honor its natural heritage, like the Olmsted Oak.
• Event-Specific Promotions: For annual events like the Fine Arts and Crafts Fair, individual artists or vendors may offer special deals on their crafts, or organizers might have early bird registration for vendor spaces. For "Music Under the June Moon" concerts, while attendance is typically free, any associated fundraisers or unique experiences might be offered.
• Community Volunteer Opportunities: Organizations like the Friends of Anderson Park regularly seek volunteers for park clean-ups, planting, or event support. While not a financial promotion, these opportunities offer a rewarding way to engage with the community and contribute to the park's beauty.
• Local Business Tie-ins: Due to its location in Upper Montclair Plaza, nearby businesses might occasionally run promotions related to park visits, such as discounts for those who show proof of attendance at a park event, though this would be managed by the individual businesses.

To stay informed about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or any related promotions at Anderson Park, Montclair residents should regularly check the Friends of Anderson Park website (friendsofandersonpark.com), the Essex County Parks Department website, and local Montclair community calendars and news outlets.

Anderson Park is part of the Essex County Park System, with a dedicated conservancy, the Friends of Anderson Park, actively involved in its care and programming.

Address: 51 Upper Montclair Plaza, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA

Friends of Anderson Park:
Website: friendsofandersonpark.com
Email: info@friendsofandersonpark.com (general inquiries)
Historian & Co-founder Contact: Lisanne@friendsofandersonpark.com (for historical tours/info)

Essex County Parks Department (for general county park inquiries and maintenance):
Phone: 973-268-3500

It is highly recommended to visit the Friends of Anderson Park website for the most detailed and current information regarding park events, history, and ways to support its ongoing preservation. For broader county park information, the Essex County Parks Department website is the official resource.

For the residents of Montclair, New Jersey, Anderson Park is an exceptionally suitable and deeply cherished local treasure, serving as a vital green heart for the community. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, blending historical significance with modern-day recreational utility and a strong sense of communal belonging.

Firstly, Anderson Park's design by the legendary Olmsted Brothers firm provides a consistently beautiful and calming environment. Its open meadows, curving pathways, and thoughtfully planted landscapes offer an immediate escape from the suburban bustle, perfect for leisurely strolls, a quiet moment of reflection, or simply enjoying nature's beauty. This aesthetic appeal, combined with its historical pedigree, makes it a unique and enriching space for residents of all ages. Even with the loss of the original Olmsted Oak, the thoughtful creation of a memorial bench from its wood ensures that the tree's powerful legacy continues to inspire and unite the community.

Secondly, the park's central location in Upper Montclair Plaza, with direct access to the train station and the village's vibrant shops and eateries, makes it incredibly convenient for daily use. It effortlessly integrates into local life, allowing residents to combine a park visit with errands, commuting, or a quick meal. This accessibility fosters a strong connection between the community and its green spaces, encouraging regular outdoor activity and fostering a healthier lifestyle.

Finally, Anderson Park truly functions as Montclair's "village green." It's a natural gathering place where neighbors meet, children play, and major community events, like "Music Under the June Moon" and the Fine Arts and Crafts Fair, come to life. These events, combined with informal everyday use, cultivate a robust sense of shared identity and belonging among residents. Anderson Park isn't just a place; it's a living, evolving part of Montclair's heritage and a constant source of joy, relaxation, and community connection for its locals.

Old Tree In Anderson Park

51 Upper Montclair Plaza, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA