Mildred Helms Park

Mildred Helms Park is a 3.3-acre green space in Newark’s Clinton Hill neighborhood, adjacent to Achieve Clinton Hill Charter school. The park is named after Mildred Helms, a beloved educator and social justice advocate from Newark. Originally known as Cooper’s Park, it was renamed in the 1970s thanks to efforts by residents who sought to honor Helm’s legacy

By the early 2000’s, the park had fallen into neglect and become a site of increased crime and drug activity. The Trust for Public Land, along with the Mildred Helms Resurrection committee and the City of Newark raised $1.5 million to revitalize Mildred Helms Park. The renovation process was community-driven, engaging residents, seniors, and students in the design of a safer and more welcoming park.

Upgrades included new lighting for safety, a walking track, a mini plaza, a gazebo, playground equipment and newly landscaped entrances. The park officially reopened in the fall of 2005.

The Mildred Helms Resurrection committee, along with Friends of Nat Turner Park and Friends of Jesse Allen Park, founded United Parks as One, an umbrella organization that supports all three parks. According to Donna Kirkland, a Senior Project Coordinator at the Trust for Public Land, this partnership has been crucial for the survival of these three parks. “Everything we did, all three parks supported each other,” said Kirkland. “If there was a cleanup at Mildred Helms, Jesse Allen and Nat Turner went.”

Each year on the first Tuesday in August, all of the United Parks as One parks celebrate the national night out. The event brings together neighborhood residents, public safety officials, and local organizations to strengthen community bonds and public trust.

Residents can support Mildred Helms Park by visiting unitedparksasone.org for information on public meetings and volunteer events. As Richard Whitten, Co-president of United Parks as One, explains: "You don't need to be an expert – just someone willing to do. Start small and do something people can enjoy."

The longevity of Mildred Helms Park represents more than maintaining green space—it's about investing in community and public safety. When we care for parks, we care for each other.