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Department of Parks and Public Property

About the Department of Parks and Public Property 

The Department of Parks and Public Property consist of Recreation, Buildings and Grounds, Park Maintenance, Shade Tree, Insurance and Information Technology Dept.

The Department strives to provide programs for all age groups.  Through these programs, we promote education, self-esteem, teamwork, physical fitness and friendship that can last a lifetime

The parks in Nutley are considered the “crown jewel” of the Essex County Park systems. The Township prides itself in maintaining a commendable level of conservation while safeguarding this pristine natural resource.  The latest surveys list the Township as maintaining over 14,000 trees and over 110 acres of parkland.  No home in Nutley is more than one half mile from a park or playground. 

Nutley Park System

The Township provides and maintains 11 Parks equipped with walking paths, newly updated playground equipment, bridges, bleachers and drinking fountains, 2 pocket parks with trees and benches and 16 Recreational Fields.

Shade Tree 

The Shade Tree Department maintains, replaces, prunes and plants trees on township property. This division is equipped with an experienced forester, who is available one day per week to do inspections and make recommendations.   The Shade Tree Department also offers a Living Memorial Program for those who have a loved one that has passed and would like to plant a tree or place a bench in memory of them.

Senior Citizen Programs

The Township has an extensive schedule of diverse activities for Senior Citizen to enjoy. 

  • Senior Chair Yoga 

  • Zumba Gold

  • Nutley Senior Club

  • Old Guard Club

  • Senior Nutrition Program 

  • May Day Luncheon

  • Senior Picnic 

Events Throughout the Year 

  • Relay for Life

  • Light it up Blue for Autism

  • Flash Light Easter Egg Hunt for residents 2nd grade – 6th grade

  • Egg-Stravaganza for residents Age 3 – 7

  • Living Memorial Celebration

  • May Day luncheon for Seniors

  • Summer Concert Series

  • Fall Festival in September

  • Senior Picnic in September

  • Pumpkin Painting with Grandparents

  • Cookie Decorating with Grandparents

  • Halloween Event

  • Princess Ball 

Accomplishments and Awards

  • Tree City USA since 1987

  • 1991, 1996, 2002, 2006, 2021 National Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award Recipient  

  • 2000, 2001,  Tree Planting Grant Recipient 

  • 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 Forest Management Plan 

  • 2005 Cool Cities Award for planting 100 Street Trees

  • 2001, 2002, 2006, 2009 Community Stewardship Incentive Program 

  • 1998, 2004, 2008, 2015 Green Community 

  • 2022 New Tree Inventory Program in place for mapping street trees and park trees