Mildred Helms Park

About Mildred Helms Park

Nestled in the Upper Clinton Hill neighborhood of Newark, Mildred Helms Park spans 3.3 acres between Hedden Terrace and Seymour Avenue, behind Achieve Clinton Hill Charter School.

Originally named Cooper Park, it was renamed in 1979 to honor Mildred Helms, a dedicated Newark community activist. Today, it serves as a vibrant outdoor space for recreation, community gatherings, and play

A Park Reclaimed by the Community

By 1999, Mildred Helms Park had fallen into disrepair and become a hub for illegal activities, discouraging use by local families and schools. Recognizing the urgent need for change, a group of concerned residents, clergy, and community leaders formed the Mildred Helms Park Resurrection Committee.

Their efforts led to a major revitalization project in 2005, in partnership with:

  • The Trust for Public Land

  • City of Newark

  • Newark Public Schools

  • National Park Service

  • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

  • The Prudential Foundation

  • Victoria Foundation

Through a participatory design process spearheaded by The Trust for Public Land, the committee engaged community residents, parents, teachers, and students in reimagining the park.

Park Features & Amenities

  • Paved exercise path

  • Picnic tables and benches

  • Game tables and water fountains

  • Gazebo and mini-plaza

  • Play-spray and playground equipment for children of all ages

Additional improvements made during the park’s 2002 cleanup include:

  • Enhanced lighting for safety

  • Landscaped entrances for a welcoming atmosphere