To the Essex County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs:

We, the residents of Essex County,  the city of Newark and the historic Weequahic community, respectfully submit this petition requesting immediate intervention and restoration efforts for the Divident Hill Pavilion and its surrounding infrastructure within Weequahic Park.

Divident Hill holds extraordinary historical significance as the site of the 1667 boundary agreement between the settlers of Newark and Elizabethtown. The pavilion standing there represents an important landmark in our shared heritage. Unfortunately, this treasured site has fallen into a serious state of neglect, diminishing both its historical value and its role within the community.

We are calling upon the County to make a dedicated commitment to restoring this landmark to its rightful stature. Specifically, we request the following:

Structural Rehabilitation

The pavilion requires a comprehensive structural assessment and full rehabilitation to ensure its safety and long-term preservation. This should include repairing masonry deterioration, restoring the roof, stabilizing damaged elements, and preserving the architectural details that have been lost to age and weather.

Beautification and Landscaping

We request a thoughtful revitalization of the site’s aesthetic and environmental features. This should include professional landscaping that honors the original Olmsted Brothers’ vision for Weequahic Park, the installation of period-appropriate lighting, and the removal of invasive overgrowth that currently obscures the pavilion and surrounding views.

Restoration of Access Ways

The pathways leading to Divident Hill are currently cracked, uneven, and in many areas inaccessible. We ask that these walkways be resurfaced and restored to ensure safe and equitable access for all visitors, including seniors and individuals with mobility challenges.

Enhanced Signage and Historical Interpretation

To strengthen the educational and cultural value of the site, we request the installation of high-quality historical markers and interpretive signage that clearly explains the significance of Divident Hill and its role in New Jersey history for future generations.

Weequahic Park remains the crown jewel of the Essex County Park System, and Divident Hill stands as one of its most storied and meaningful landmarks. By investing in these restoration and beautification efforts, Essex County will not only preserve an irreplaceable piece of New Jersey history, but also reaffirm its commitment to the dignity, legacy, and vibrancy of the Weequahic community.

We respectfully request a formal response outlining the County’s proposed timeline and plan for addressing these necessary improvements.

Respectfully submitted,

The Undersigned Residents and Supporters of Essex County, the city of Newark and the Historic Weequahic Community