As temperatures continue to climb, plenty of area residents and visitors are heading to local waterfronts in order to explore the region’s outdoors. However, for those looking to get out on the water and learn more about local history, there is once again another option aside from the boat tours in the Meadowlands and on the Hudson.
After a brief hiatus, the Passaic River Eco-Cruise Tours have returned to Newark. The tours, which are operated by the non-profit Hackensack Riverkeeper group in partnership with Newark Riverfront Revival, depart on select weekends from Riverfront Park in the Ironbound section of the city’s East Ward. Attendees will learn about how the neighborhoods surrounding the river have evolved over the years and about the area’s industrial heritage and environment, all while exploring the city from a unique perspective on a pontoon boat.
This year, according to Newark Riverfront Revival program director Marcy DePina, the tours are being offered free of charge to anyone ages five and older, though there is a suggested donation of $5 for Newarkers and $15 for passengers who do not reside within city limits. Upcoming tours will be offered at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on July 22 and at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on August 19, August 25, and September 23.
Those who are interested in getting aboard can send an email to [email protected] in order to sign up.
The tours are far from the only events occurring at Riverfront Park this summer. The portion of the park, which opened in 2012 along Raymond Boulevard near the Jackson Street Bridge, will also host programming such as a hip-hop weekend, a movie night, a food truck festival, yoga classes, and kayaking on the river.
