Newark City Council accepts $65K grant to enhance Folk Park

A site map shows the proposed walking trail and food forest planned for Folk Park as part of the Reimagining Outdoor Spaces 2025 grant project. (Photo:newarkde.gov)

NEWARK- The city has been awarded a grant of up to $65,000 from The Wills Group through its Reimagining Outdoor Spaces 2025 initiative. The funding, which was formally accepted by Newark City Council, will support a series of enhancements at Folk Park, located near South College Avenue.

The Wills Group, owner of the Dash In convenience store and gas station currently planned for construction nearby, selected Newark as a grant recipient following a community engagement process led by the Parks & Recreation Department. Thanks to resident feedback, a number of improvement projects have been approved and are scheduled to begin this summer.

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Among the planned upgrades are:

• A stone dust trail weaving through the park’s existing trees, connecting both ends of the paved pathway.

  

• A food forest planted with edible shrubs and plants alongside one side of the new trail.

• A habitat, pollinator, and sensory garden on the opposite side, emphasizing plants with diverse textures and scents.

• New seating and educational signage throughout the area.

• A strong commitment to the use of native species in all plantings.

The Wills Group will fully fund the design, development, and construction of the project.

City officials and representatives from the Wills Group expressed appreciation for the community’s input and collaborative spirit, which they said played a crucial role in shaping the vision for a revitalized Folk Park.

Claudia Estrada

Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.