The new park grounds boasts a more open and inviting atmosphere for passersby as well as a revitalized location in downtown Newark.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 18, 2004, for its significance in architecture, and community planning and development.

Eight resources were previously listed individually, including Wars of America by Gutzon Borglum, Griffith Building, Hahne and Company, Symington House, and Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral.

[12] In the southwestern part of the park is the large Wars of America monument, created by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore.

The park also has an old drinking fountain with the phrase "My cup runneth over" carved around its base, and statues of Frederick Frelinghuysen and Philip Kearny.

Doane was a rector at St. Patrick's Pro-Cathedral and did much for the city including his work with the Essex County Park Commission.