Cadwalader Park Master Plan - City of Trenton

CADWALADER PARK MASTER PLAN

In the past decade, renewed attention has been focused on the nation's spectacular legacy of parks designed over a century ago by Frederick Law Olmsted, America's best known landscape architect. The restoration of New Yorks Central Park and exciting initiatives in cities such as Atlanta, Louisville, and Rochester have generated nationwide interest in rebuilding our heritage through these magnificent outdoor spaces.

Trenton is fortunate to possess one of these Olmsted Parks. Cadwalader Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Senior in 1891, still preserves many of the landscape and spatial qualities present in the original plan. It is beloved by many of the citys residents, who recall pony rides, picnics, concerts and the balloon man, a fixture on many pleasant weekend afternoons. Common to many urban parks, Cadwalader has suffered through several decades of decline owing to funding cutbacks and changes in use. Even so, the park remains a destination for many citizens, who appreciate the numerous groves of trees, outdoor play spaces, and well-kept recreational amenities. Recently, Cadwalader Park was recognized as one of two parks in the State of New Jersey designated for the "100 Parks, 100 Years" Centennial Anniversary program of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

The City of Trenton, in collaboration with an Advisory Committee of local residents and the master planning team, has developed a long term plan for renewing Cadwalader Park. The plan proposes an array of exciting activities and new facilities to draw people back into the park, as well as restoration measures for the existing facilities and plantings. Implementation of the new programs and restoration measures will require a significant commitment from the City for funding, upgraded security and increased maintenance. Improvements in park operations must progress at the same time that new projects and programs are implemented so that deterioration does not immediately reoccur.

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