More than $4.8 million in improvements to Essex County Independence Park in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood have been completed, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced on Friday. The work included modernization of three existing athletic fields with new synthetic playing surfaces, creation of one new soccer field and various site enhancements. “Even though Independence Park is one of the smallest parks in our system, it is one of the most heavily used,” said DiVincenzo. “Because of the density of the population and development in Newark’s Ironbound, this park literally is the backyard for our residents.” The upgrades are part of DiVincenzo’s ongoing initiative to provide modern recreation facilities throughout the county park system. Over the past year, Independence Park has seen the addition of four new fields and the Sheriff Armando and Mary Fontoura Community Center. “Creating a modern field is connected to economic development and improving our residents’ quality of life,” said Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz. “Because of Joe’s commitment, these improvements happen quickly to respond to the community’s needs.” The first $1.2 million project revitalized an existing soccer field and Little League/softball field. The second $3.6 million project resurfaced another soccer field and created a brand new one. Both projects included new synthetic turf, enhanced drainage, fencing, benches, lighting and landscaping. Local officials praised the transformative impact the improvements will have on the community. “You have positively impacted the lives of our families and children in a very big way,” said Newark East Ward Councilman Michael Silva. The fields will also benefit local schools. “This park is really our backyard,” said East Side High School Principal Carlos Rodriguez. “We utilize the park for our physical education programs and having the additional fields allows us to diversify and expand programs.” Funding for the upgrades came from state grants, the American Rescue Plan, and the Essex County Capital Budget. Independence Park has seen a series of improvements over the past decade through partnerships with community groups and grant funding. At 12.69 acres, Independence Park is the fifth smallest park in the historic Essex County Park System, which was established in 1895 as the first county park system in the United States. The system now includes about 6,000 acres across 23 parks and various recreational facilities. Submit Essex County community news to essex@njadvancemedia.com. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.