Veterans Memorial Park

For residents of Englewood, New Jersey, and indeed, for anyone exploring Bergen County, finding accessible and inviting public spaces is a key part of enjoying local life. Veterans Memorial Park, nestled conveniently in the heart of Englewood, stands as a prime example of such a place. This park, rich in local history and community spirit, offers a blend of memorial reverence and recreational opportunity that makes it a unique and cherished destination. While it might be known to some by its former name, Depot Square Park, its enduring presence and evolving features make it a vital part of Englewood's urban fabric. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Veterans Memorial Park, highlighting its amenities, accessibility, and why it continues to be a suitable and beloved spot for locals in the New Jersey region.

Veterans Memorial Park is more than just a patch of green; it's a dynamic community space that serves multiple purposes. Described by visitors as a "nice little layed back park area," it offers a welcoming atmosphere just a few blocks from downtown Englewood. Its strategic location near the Bergen Performing Arts Center and the railroad tracks adds to its urban charm and accessibility. The park is distinguished by its respectful memorials, including a poignant tribute to local lives lost on 9/11 and another honoring distinguished citizen Colonel H.V.D. Moore, underscoring its role as a place of remembrance and civic pride. Despite its modern designation, the "Depot Square" name subtly lives on, particularly in reference to its popular "nice kiddie playground," which is still sometimes referred to as Depot Square Playground. This duality of old and new, memorial and recreation, creates a unique character for the park. It functions as an open, inviting space where families can gather, children can play, and individuals can find a moment of peace, right in the vibrant heart of Englewood. Its versatility and historical depth make it a cornerstone of local community life.

Veterans Memorial Park is conveniently located in Englewood, NJ 07631, USA. Its exact position is described as being "a few blocks from downtown Englewood near the Bergen Performing Arts Center and railroad tracks," making it a highly central and identifiable landmark within the city. This prime location ensures excellent accessibility for both local residents and visitors from surrounding areas of Bergen County and beyond.

Accessibility to Veterans Memorial Park is a significant advantage. For those driving, the park offers "lots of parking spaces along the Dean Street side and a long parking lot along the other side." This ample parking, a highly valued feature in urban settings, makes it incredibly convenient for families with children or anyone carrying picnic supplies or sports equipment. The park's easy visibility as you "drive down Dean Street into town" further aids in its accessibility, ensuring visitors can spot it without difficulty. For pedestrians, its proximity to downtown Englewood means it's a comfortable walk from local shops, restaurants, and public transportation stops. While specific public transit routes directly to the park are not detailed, Englewood itself is well-served by NJ Transit bus lines, connecting it to other parts of Bergen County and New York City. The combination of plentiful parking, high visibility, and walkability makes Veterans Memorial Park one of the most accessible and convenient green spaces in Englewood, suitable for spontaneous visits or planned outings.

Veterans Memorial Park offers a selection of services and amenities primarily geared towards passive recreation, family enjoyment, and community gathering. While it may not feature extensive staffed facilities, its offerings cater well to its role as a central urban park.

Services Offered:

• Kiddie Playground: A well-loved feature, providing a safe and engaging space for young children to play. This playground is frequently mentioned in positive reviews for its appeal to younger visitors.
• Memorials: The park serves as a significant memorial site, featuring tributes to local lives lost on 9/11 and honoring figures like Colonel H.V.D. Moore. This provides a space for reflection and remembrance.
• Open Green Space: Offers ample open areas for casual recreation, picnicking, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
• Benches: Several benches are available throughout the park, providing spots for visitors to sit, relax, and observe.
• Community Event Hosting: The open nature of the park makes it suitable for hosting local community events and activities, such as sidewalk sales and associated family zones, as evidenced by past events.

The key features and highlights of Veterans Memorial Park underscore its appeal as a central and versatile community space in Englewood. These elements are what make it a popular spot for locals.

Features / Highlights:

• Central Downtown Location: Its placement "in the heart of Englewood" makes it highly accessible and a natural focal point for community life.
• Abundant Parking: A significant advantage, with "lots of parking spaces along the Dean Street side and a long parking lot along the other side," ensuring convenience for visitors.
• Dedicated Children's Playground: Known fondly as the "Depot Square Playground," this area is a major draw for families with young children, offering a fun and safe environment for play.
• Historical and Civic Memorials: The presence of a 9/11 memorial and a tribute to Colonel H.V.D. Moore adds a layer of depth and historical significance, providing space for reflection and honoring local heroes.
• Versatile Open Space: The "nice open park" layout allows for various informal activities and has proven adaptable for larger community events, like those featuring "bounce houses and activities" during a sidewalk sale.
• Urban Green Oasis: Despite being in an urban setting, it provides a pleasant green space with a "nice little layed back park area" atmosphere, offering a break from the surrounding bustle.

Veterans Memorial Park, as a public municipal park, does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional retail sense. Its primary "offer" is its free accessibility and its array of amenities available to all residents and visitors.

However, the park frequently serves as a venue for community-driven events and activities organized by the City of Englewood or local community groups. These events can be seen as "special offers" in the sense that they provide unique, often free, entertainment and engagement opportunities for locals. For instance, the mention of "a really nice kids' play zone with bounce houses and activities set up there for the sidewalk sale over the past weekend" clearly illustrates how the park is utilized for broader community enjoyment.

To discover these community-driven "promotions," New Jersey locals should regularly check the official website of the City of Englewood, their Parks and Recreation Department, or local community event calendars. These platforms are where information about upcoming festivals, markets, children's activities, or civic ceremonies held at Veterans Memorial Park would be announced. While you won't find discounts on entry (as entry is free), you'll find a consistent offering of community engagement and family-friendly fun throughout the year, making the park a vibrant hub for local life.

For inquiries about Veterans Memorial Park, including details on its facilities, community events, or general park information, you can contact the City of Englewood's Parks and Recreation Department.

Address: Englewood, NJ 07631, USA (This is the general address for Englewood; specific park inquiries should be directed to the recreation department.)

Phone: (201) 568-3472

Mobile Phone: +1 201-568-3472

The phone number provided is likely for the Englewood Parks and Recreation Department or a general city information line, which can provide comprehensive details regarding park usage, upcoming events, or any specific rules and regulations. It is always recommended to use this direct contact for the most accurate and up-to-date information concerning Veterans Memorial Park.

Veterans Memorial Park is exceptionally well-suited for locals in New Jersey, especially those residing in or near Englewood, for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, its central location "in the heart of Englewood" makes it incredibly convenient and accessible. For families, the presence of a "nice kiddie playground" (still fondly remembered as Depot Square Playground) is a huge draw, offering a safe and fun environment for children to burn off energy. The ample parking along Dean Street and the other side is a significant practical advantage, removing a common urban hurdle and making visits hassle-free for parents and caregivers.

Beyond recreation, the park serves as a vital community anchor. The memorials to local 9/11 victims and Colonel H.V.D. Moore imbue the space with a deep sense of history and community pride, providing a place for quiet reflection and civic engagement. This blend of recreational amenities and commemorative spaces means the park caters to diverse needs – from playful family outings to moments of solemn remembrance.

Furthermore, its "nice open park" layout makes it highly adaptable for local events, as evidenced by its use for sidewalk sales with bounce houses and activities. This versatility transforms it into a dynamic hub for community gatherings, fostering a sense of belonging and providing free entertainment options throughout the year. In essence, Veterans Memorial Park is perfect for Englewood locals because it's a highly accessible, family-friendly, historically significant, and community-oriented green space that truly reflects and serves the vibrant spirit of the city.

Veterans Memorial Park

Englewood, NJ 07631, USA