United Parks As One

United Parks As One

In 2008, a group of dedicated Newark community leaders from The Friends of Jesse Allen Park, The Friends of Nat Turner Park, Mildred Helms Park Resurrection Committee, and Ujimaa Garden came together to found United Parks As One with assistance from The Trust for Public Land. They saw a need for a community-led, collaborative effort that could foster information sharing among the organizations and help them advocate more effectively for open space in the city. Since then, United Parks As One has become a leader in the areas of park stewardship, programming, and community engagement in Newark. The staff support and financial assistance the organization received from The Trust for Public Land enabled it to build a solid foundation more quickly than it could have on its own. The Trust for Public Land provided funding for field trips that promoted skill building; grants for health fairs, fun days, cleanups, and other community events at the parks; sponsorship for the Annual Celebration; connections to key partners from the government, nonprofit, and business sectors; and valuable staff time that supported the organization’s growth and development. The assistance from The Trust for Public Land also helped position United Parks As One to influence key initiatives in Newark. United Parks As One played an important role in educating the community about the importance of legislation for the creation of Newark’s Open Space Trust Fund.

Our Vision

The vision of United Parks As One is empowered and sustainable park, playground, and garden communities that offer safe spaces for artistic expression, economic advancement, educational programs, environmental appreciation and stewardship, healthy living, and spiritual renewal for all age groups.

Our Mission:

United Parks As One is a citywide alliance of neighborhood-based park, playground, and garden advocates dedicated to creating, maintaining, and activating open spaces for the benefit of Newark residents and communities. 

We Value:

Integrity - honor, honesty, and transparency in our treatment of people and our approach to our work

Inclusiveness - programs, events, and organizational procedures that incorporate the perspectives, passions, and talents of all community members

Loyalty - sincere and unwavering commitment to each other, the community, and the work

Effectiveness - attentiveness to producing our desired results and realizing our vision

Sustainability - establishment of a durable organization that advances the long-term empowerment and well-being of park, playground, and garden communities